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THE  NOVELS 

OF 

CAPTAIN   MARRYAT 

EDITED    BY 

R.  BRIMLEY    JOHNSON 


This  Edition  of  Captain  Marry af  s  No'velsy 

made  exclustnjely  for  members  of  the 

NEW  YORK  YACHT  CLUB 

is  strictly  limited  to  one  hundred  copies. 


Copy  No.   /  5 
PRINTED  FOR 
H.  A.  VAN  LIEfF,  Esq. 


A^- 


fR. 


NEW  YORK  YACHT  CLUB  EDITION 


NEWTON     FORSTER 


OR 


THE    MERCHANT    SERVICE 


BY 
CAPTAIN   MARRYAT 


NEW  YORK 

CROSCUP  AND   COMPANY 

MDCCCXCVI 


Contents 


PAGE 

Chapter  i         .             »             .             .             .             .           i 

Chapter  ii 

6 

Chapter  hi 

H 

Chapter  iv 

24 

Chapter  v 

31 

Chapter  vi 

39 

Chapter  vii 

47 

Chapter  viii 

.         56 

Chapter  ix 

60 

Chapter  x 

66 

Chapter  xi 

72 

Chapter  xii 

Si     Chapter  xiii 

Chapter  xiv 

82 

90 

lOI 

Chapter  xv 

•       113 

Chapter  xvi 

121 

Chapter  xvii 

127 

Chapter  xviii 

'       133 

Chapter  xix 

139 

Chapter  xx 

144 

Chapter  xxi 

.       148 

Chapter  xxii 

'       157 

VI 


Contents 


Chapter  xxiii 

Chapter  xxiv   . 

Chapter  xxv     . 

Chapter  xxvi 

Chapter  xxvii  . 

Chapter  xxviii  . 

Chapter  xxix    . 

Chapter  xxx 

Chapter  xxxi 

Chapter  xxxii 

Chapter  xxxiii  . 

Chapter  xxxiv  . 

Chapter  xxxv  . 

Chapter  xxxvi 

Chapter  xxxvii 

Chapter,  xxxviii 

Chapter  xxxix 

Chapter  xl 

Chapter  xli 

Chapter  xlii 

Chapter  xliii 

Chapter  xliv 

Chapter  xlv 

Chapter  xlvi 

Chapter  xlvii 

Chapter  xlviii 

Chapter  xlix 

Chapter  l 

Chapter  li 

Chapter  lii 

Chapter  liii 

PAGE 

1 68 
172 
178 
181 
189 

193 

202 
206 
212 
223 
234 

239 
254 
263 
276 
282 
290 
295 
301 
310 
317 
325 
33<^ 
348 

355 
366 

373 
380 
386 
390 
395 


List  of  Etchings 


A  LARGE  Dog  bearing  something  white  in  its  Mouth   Frontispiece 

PAGE 

"  When   my  improvement  in  the  Duplex "  .  92 

It    was    with    great    difficulty  ....  -^h.-vt    Newton 

contrived  at  last  to  get  in  .  .  .95 

"  Pay,  sir,  pay  !     I  tell  you,  pay  !  *'  .  ,  .       201 

"  Do  I  intrude.  Miss  Revel  ? "  .  .  .        292 

Newton  stood  on  one  of  the  Forecastle  Guns  .        364 

Draiun  and  Etched  by  Chas.  O.  Murray. 


vii 


Prefatory  Note 

Newton  Forster^  or  the  Merchant  Service ,  first  appeared 
in  the  Metropolitan  Magazine y  1 83 2.  It  is  one  of  the  novels 
which  specially  suggests  a  comparison  between  Marryat 
and  Smollett,  both  authors  having  described  acts  of  im- 
pressment with  vigour  and  indignation. 

Jeffrey,  of  the  Edinburgh  Review ^  wrote  to  Mrs  Marryat, 
January  1 83 2  : — 

''  That  I  have  read  it  [Neivton  Forster']  all  through  in 
the  week  I  have  to  finish  the  preparation  of  our  Scotch 
Reform  Bill  (if  you  will  forgive  me  for  mentioning  such  a 
thing)  is  proof  enough,  I  think,  that  my  opinion  is  very 
favourable.  It  is  certainly  very  entertaining,  which  I  take 
to  be  the  first  virtue  of  a  work  of  this  description  ;  but  it 
is  interesting  as  well  as  entertaining,  and  not  only  shows 
great  power  of  invention,  but  a  very  amiable  nature  and  a 
kind  heart." 

The  Editor  quoted  on  page  23  is  presumably  Marryat 
himself.  At  least  the  footnote  occurs  in  the  first  edition, 
and  was  probably  reprinted  from  the  magazine,  where  the 
identity  of  editor  and  author  was  not  so  patent. 

It  is  here  printed  from  the  first  edition,  in  three  volumes  ; 
motto  :  Honesty  is  the  best  policy.  James  Cochrane  &  Co., 
1832.* 

R.  B.  J. 


*  Thompson  has  been  changed  to  Johnson  and,  in  another  place, 
Robinson  to  Robertson,  in  order  to  let  the  same  characters  act  under  one 
name  throughout  the  book. 


Newton   Forster : 


OR, 


The    Merchant    Service 


Chapter  I 

"And  what  is  this  new  book  the  whole  world  makes  such  a  rout  about? 
— Oh !  'tis  out  of  all  plumb,  my  lord, — quite  an  irregular  thing  ;  not  one  of 
the  angles  at  the  four  corners  was  a  right  angle.  I  had  my  rule  and 
compasses,  my  lord,  in  my  pocket. —  Excellent  critic! 

"  Grant  me  patience,  just  Heaven  I  Of  all  the  cants  which  are  canted  in 
this  canting  world — though  the  cant  of  hypocrites  may  be  the  worst,  the 
cant  of  criticism  is  the  most  tormenting  I  " — Sterne. 

What  authors  in  general  may  feel  upon  the  subject  I 
know  not,  but  I  have  discovered,  since  I  so  rashly  took  up 
my  pen,  that  there  are  three  portions  of  a  novel  which  are 
extremely  difficult  to  arrange  to  the  satisfaction  of  a 
fastidious  public. 

The  first  is  the  beginning,  the  second  the  middle,  and 
the  third  is  the  end. 

The  painter  who,  in  times  of  yore,  exposed  his  canvas 
to  universal  criticism,  and  found,  to  his  mortification,  that 
there  was  not  a  particle  of  his  composition  which  had  not 
been  pronounced  defective  by  one  pseudo-critic  or  another, 
did  not  receive  severer  castigation  than  I  have  experi- 
enced from  the  unsolicited  remarks  of  "  d — d  good-natured 
friends." 

"  I  like  your  first  and  second  volume,"  said  a  tall,  long- 
chinned,   short-sighted   blue,   dressed  in  yellow,   peering 

F  A 


2  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

into  my  face,  as  if  her  eyes  were  magnifying  glasses,  and 
she  was  obtaining  the  true  focus  of  vision,  "  but  you  fall 
off  in  your  last,  which  is  all  about  that  nasty  line-of-battle 
ship." 

**  I  don't  like  your  plot,  sir,"  bawls  out  in  a  stentorian 
voice  an  elderly  gentleman  ;  "I  don't  like  your  plot,  sir," 
repeated  he  with  an  air  of  authority,  which  he  had  long 
assumed,  from  supposing  because  people  would  not  be  at 
the  trouble  of  contradicting  his  opinions,  that  they  were 
incontrovertible — "  there  is  nothing  but  death." 

''Death,  my  dear  sir,"  replied  I,  as  if  I  was  hailing  the 
lookout  man  at  the  mast-head,  and  hoping  to  soften  him 
with  my  intentional  bull;  "is  not  death,  sir,  a  true 
picture  of  human  life  ?  " 

"  Ay,  ay,"  growled  he,  either  not  hearing  or  not  taking ; 
**  it's  all  very  well,  but — there's  too  much  killing  in  it." 

*'In  a  novel,  sir,  killing's  no  murder,  you  surely  will 
admit ;  and  you  must  also  allow  something  for  professional 
feeling — *  'tis  my  occupation  ; '  and  after  five-and-twenty 
years  of  constant  practice,  whether  I  wield  the  sword  or 
the  pen,  the  force  of  habit " 

"  It  won't  do,  sir,"  interrupted  he  ;  "  the  public  don't 
like  it.  Otherwise,"  continued  this  hypercritic,  softening 
a  little,  "  some  of  the  chapters  are  amusing,  and,  on  the 
whole,  it  may  be  said  to  be  rather — that  is — not  un- 
pleasantly written." 

"  I  like  your  first  and  third  volume,  but  not  your 
second,"  squeaked  out  something  intended  to  have  been 
a  woman,  with  shoulder-blades  and  collar-bones,  as  De 
Ville  would  say,  most  strongly  developed. 

"Well  now,  I  don't  exactly  agree  with  you,  my  dear 
Miss  Peego ;  I  think  the  second  and  third  volumes  are  by 
far  the  most  readable,^^  exclaimed  another  thing,  perched 
upon  a  chair,  with  her  feet  dangling  half  way  between 
her  seat  and  the  carpet. 

"  If  I  might   presume  upon  my  long   standing  in   the 

service.   Captain  ,"   said  a  pompous   general  officer, 

whose  back  appeared  to  have  been  Jished  with  the  kitchen 


The  Merchant  Service  3 

poker — "  if  I  might  venture  to  offer  you  advice,"  con- 
tinued he,  leading  me  paternally  by  the  arm  a  little  on 
one  side,  "  it  would  be  not  again  to  attempt  a  defence 
of  smuggling :  I  consider,  sir,  that  as  an  officer  in  his 
Majesty's  service,  you  have  strangely  committed  yourself." 

"  It  is  not  my  defence,  sir :  they  are  the  arguments 
of  a  smuggler." 

"  You  wrote  the  book,  sir,"  replied  he,  sharply ;  "  I 
can  assure  you  that  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  the 
Admiralty  took  notice  of  it." 

"  Indeed,  sir  !  "  replied  I,  with  assumed  alarm. 

I  received  no  answer,  except  a  most  significant  nod  of 
the  head,  as  he  walked  away. 

But  I  have  not  yet  arrived  at  the  climax,  which  made 
me  inclined  to  exclaim,  with  the  expiring  Lion  in  the 
fable 

A  midshipman — yes,  reader,  a  midshipman — who  had 
formerly  belonged  to  my  ship  and  had  trembled  at  my 
frown,  ranged  up  alongside  of  me,  and,  with  a  super- 
cilious air,  observed — 

"  I  have  read  your  book,  and — there  are  one  or  tnvo  good 
things  in  it." 

Hear  this,  admirals  and  captains  on  half-pay  !  hear  this, 
port-admirals  and  captains  afloat  !  I  have  often  heard  that 
the  service  was  deteriorating,  going  to  the  devil,  but  I 
never  became  a  convert  to  the  opinion  before. 

Gracious  Heaven  !  what  a  revengeful  feeling  is  there  in 
the  exclamation  "  O  that  mine  adversary  had  ivritten  a 
book  !  "  To  be  snarled  at,  and  bow-wowed  at,  in  this 
manner,  by  those  who  find  fault  because  their  intellect  is 
not  sufficient  to  enable  them  to  appreciate  !  Authors,  take 
my  resolution  ;  which  is,  never  to  show  your  face  until 
your  work  has  passed  through  the  ordeal  of  the  Reviews — 
keep  your  room  for  the  month  after  your  literary  labour. 
Reviews  are  like  Jesuit  father  confessors — guiding  the 
opinions  of  the  multitude,  who  blindly  follow  the  sugges- 
tions of  those  to  whom  they  may  have  entrusted  their 
literary    consciences.      If  your    work   is    denounced   and 


4  Newton  Forster;  or, 

damned,  still  you  will  be  the  gainer ;  for  is  it  not  better 
to  be  released  at  once  from  your  sufferings  by  one  blow 
from  the  paw  of  a  tiger,  than  to  be  worried  piecemeal  by 
creatures  who  have  all  the  will,  but  not  the  power,  to 
inflict  the  coup  de  grace  ? 

The  author  of  "  Cloudesley,"  enumerating  the  qualifica- 
tions necessary  to  a  writer  of  fiction,  observes,  "  When  he 
introduces  his  ideal  personage  to  the  public,  he  enters 
upon  his  task  with,  a  preconception  of  the  qualities  that 
belong  to  this  being,  the  principle  of  his  actions,  and  its 
necessary  concomitants,  &c.,  &c."  That  such  preparation 
ought  to  be  made,  I  will  not  deny ;  but  were  I  to  attempt 
an  adherence  to  these  rules,  the  public  would  never  be 
troubled  with  any  production  of  mine.  It  would  be  too 
tedious  a  journey  in  perspective  for  my  wayward  intellect ; 
and  if  I  calculated  stages  before  I  ordered  my  horses,  I 
should  abandon  the  attempt,  and  remain  quietly  at  home. 
Mine  is  not  a  journey  of  that  methodical  description ;  on 
the  contrary,  it  is  a  ramble  hand-in-hand  with  Fancy,  with 
a  light  heart  and  a  lighter  baggage ;  for  my  whole  wallet, 
when  I  set  off,  contains  but  one  single  idea — but  ideas  are 
hermaphrodite,  and  these  creatures  of  the  brain  are  most 
prolific.  To  speak  more  intelligibly,  I  never  have  made 
any  arrangement  of  plot  when  I  commenced  a  work  of 
fiction,  and  often  finish  a  chapter  without  having  the 
slightest  idea  of  what  materials  the  ensuing  one  is  to  be 
constructed.  At  times  I  feel  so  tired  that  I  throw  down 
the  pen  in  despair  ;  but  it  is  soon  taken  up  again,  and,  like 
a  pigmy  Antaeus,  it  seems  to  have  imbibed  fresh  vigour 
from  its  prostration. 

I  remember  when  the  "  King's  Own "  was  finished, 
I  was  as  happy  as  a  pedestrian  who  had  accomplished  his 
thousand  miles  in  a  thousand  hours.  My  voluntary  slavery 
was  over,  and  I  was  emancipated..  Where  was  I  then  ? 
I  recollect ;  within  two  days'  sail  of  the  Lizard,  returning 
home,  after  a  six  weeks'  cruise  to  discover  a  rock  in  the 
Atlantic,  which  never  existed  except  in  the  terrified  or 
intoxicated  noddle  of  some  master  of  a  merchant  vessel. 


The  Merchant  Service  5 

It  was  about  half-past  five  in  the  evening,  and  I  was  alone 
in  my  after-cabin,  quite  alone,  as  the  captain  of  a  man-of- 
war  must  be,  even  when  in  presence  of  his  ship's  company. 
If  being  sent  to  sea  has  been  pronounced  by  the  officers 
and  men  to  be  transportation ,  being  the  captain  of  the  ship 
may  truly  be  designated  as  solitary  confinement. 

I  could  not  send  for  any  one  to  whom  I  could  impart 
the  intelligence — there  was  no  one  whom  I  could  expect 
to  sympathise  with  me,  or  to  whom  I  could  pour  out  the 
abundance  of  my  joy  ;  for  that  the  service  prohibited. 
"What  could  I  do  ?  Why,  I  could  dance ;  so  I  sprang 
from  my  chair,  and  singing  the  tune,  commenced  a 
quadrille  movement, — Tal  de  ral  la,  tal  de  ral  la,  lity,  lity, 
lity,  liddle-um,  tal  de  ral  la,  tal 

"  Three  bells,  sir,"  cried  the  first  lieutenant,  who  had 
opened  my  door  unperceived  by  me,  and  showed  evident 
surprise  at  my  motions  \  "  shall  we  beat  to  quarters  ? " — 

"  Certainly,  Mr  B ,"  replied  I,  and  he  disappeared. 

But  this  interruption  produced  only  a  temporary  cessation  : 
I  was  in  the  height  of  "  Cavalier  seul,"  when  his  head 
popped  into  the  cabin 

*'  All  present,  and  sober,  sir,"  reported  he,  with  a  demure 
smile. 

"  Except  the  captain,  I  presume  you  are  thinking," 
replied  I. 

"Oh!  no,  indeed,  sir;  I  observed  that  you  were  very 
merry." 

*'  I  am,  Mr  B ,  but  not  with  wine  ;  mine  is  a  sort  of 

intellectual  intoxication  not  provided  for  in  the  Articles  of 
War." 

"  A  what !  sir  ?  " 

**Oh!  something  that  you'll  never  get  drunk  upon,  as 
you  never  look  into  a  book — beat  a  retreat." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant ;  and  he  disap- 
peared. 

And  I  also  beat  a  retreat  to  my  sofa ;  and  as  I  threw 
myself  upon  it,  mentally  vowed  that,  for  two  months  at  the 
least,  I  never  would  take  up  a  pen.     But  we  seldom  make 


6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

a  vow  which  we  do  not  eventually  break  ;  and  the  reason 
is  obvious.  We  vow  only  when  hurried  into  excesses  ;  we 
are  alarmed  at  the  dominion  which  has  been  acquired  over 
us  by  our  feelings,  or  by  our  habits.  Checked  for  a  time 
by  an  adherence  to  our  resolutions,  they  gradually  recover 
their  former  strength,  until  they  again  break  forth,  and  we 
yield  to  their  overpowering  influence.  A  few  days  after  I 
had  made  the  resolution,  I  found  myself,  like  the  sailor, 
rewarding  it  by  writing  more  indefatigably  than  ever. 

So  now,  reader,  you  may  understand  that  I  continue  to 
write,  as  Tony  Lumpkin  says,  not  to  please  my  good- 
natured  friends,  "  but  because  I  can't  bear  to  disappoint 
myself ; "  for  that  which  I  commenced  as  an  amusement, 
and  continued  as  a  drudgery,  has  ended  in  becoming  a 
confirmed  habit. 

So  much  for  the  overture.  Now  let  us  draw  up  the 
curtain,  and  our  actors  shall  appear  upon  the  stage. 


Chapter  II 

"  Boldly  I  venture  on  a  naval  scene, 
Nor  fear  the  critics'  frow^n,  the  pedants'  spleen. 
Sons  of  the  ocean,  we  their  rules  disdain. 

Hark  ! —  a  shock 
Tears  her  strong  bottom  on  the  marble  rock. 
Down  on  the  vale  of  death,  with  dismal  cries, 
The  fated  victims,  shuddering,  roll  their  eyes 
In  wild  despair — while  yet  another  stroke 
With  deep  convulsion  rends  the  solid  oak, 
Till  like  the  mine  in  whose  infernal  cell 
The  lurking  demons  of  destruction  dwell. 
At  length,  asunder  torn,  her  frame  divides, 
And  crushing,  spreads  in  ruin  o'er  the  tides." 

Falconer. 

It  was  in  the  dreary  month  of  fog,  misanthropy,  and  suicide 
— the  month  during  which  Heaven  receives  a  scantier  tribute 
of  gratitude  from  discontented  man — during  which  the  sun 
rises,  but  shines  not — gives  forth  an  unwilling  light,  but 


The  Merchant  Service  7 

glads  us  not  with  his  cheerful  rays — during  which  large 
tallow  candles  assist  the  merchant  to  calculate  his  gains  or 
to  philosophise  over  his  losses — in  short,  it  was  one  evening 
in  the  month  of  November  of  the  year  17 — ,  that  Edward 
Forster,  who  had  served  many  years  in  his  Majesty's  navy, 
was  seated  in  a  snug  armchair,  in  a  snug  parlour,  in  a  snug 
cottage  to  which  he  had  retired  upon  his  half-pay,  in  con- 
sequence of  a  severe  wound  which  had,  for  many  years, 
healed  but  to  break  out  again  each  succeeding  spring. 

The  locality  of  the  cottage  was  not  exactly  so  snug  as  it 
has  been  described  in  itself  and  its  interior ;  for  it  was 
situated  on  a  hill  which  terminated  at  a  short  distance  in  a 
precipitous  cliff,  beetling  over  that  portion  of  the  Atlantic 
which  lashes  the  shores  of  Cumberland  under  the  sub-de- 
nomination of  the  Irish  Sea.  But  Forster  had  been  all  his 
early  life  a  sailor,  and  still  felt  the  same  pleasure  in  listening 
to  the  moaning  and  whistling  of  the  wind,  as  it  rattled  the 
shutters  of  his  cottage  (like  some  importunate  who  would 
gain  admittance),  as  he  used  to  experience  when,  lying  in 
his  hammock,  he  was  awakened  by  the  howling  of  the  blast, 
and  shrouding  himself  in  his  blankets  to  resume  his  nap, 
rejoiced  that  he  was  not  exposed  to  its  fury. 

His  finances  did  not  allow  him  to  indulge  in  luxuries, 
and  the  distillation  of  the  country  was  substituted  for  wine. 
With  his  feet  upon  the  fender  and  his  glass  of  whiskey- 
toddy  at  his  side,  he  had  been  led  into  a  train  of  thought  by 
the  book  which  he  had  been  reading,  some  passage  of  which 
had  recalled  to  his  memory  scenes  that  had  long  passed 
away — the  scenes  of  youth  and  hope — the  happy  castle- 
building  of  the  fresh  in  heart,  invariably  overthrown  by 
time  and  disappointment.  The  night  was  tempestuous  ; 
the  rain  now  pattered  loud,  then  ceased  as  if  it  had  fed  the 
wind,  which  renewed  its  violence,  and  forced  its  way 
through  every  crevice.  The  carpet  of  his  little  room 
occasionally  rose  from  the  floor,  swelled  up  by  the 
insidious  entrance  of  the  searching  blast ;  the  solitary 
candle,  which  from  neglect  had  not  only  elongated  its 
wick   to   an  unusual    extent,  but  had   formed   a  sort   of 


8^  Newton  Forster;  or, 

mushroom  top,  was  every  moment  in  danger  of  extinction, 
while  the  chintz  curtains  of  the  window  waved  solemnly 
to  and  fro.  But  the  deep  reverie  of  Edward  Forster  was 
suddenly  disturbed  by  the  report  of  a  gun,  swept  to  lee- 
ward by  the  impetuosity  of  the  gale,  which  hurled  it  with 
violence  against  the  door  and  front  windows  of  his  cottage, 
for  some  moments  causing  them  to  vibrate  with  the  con- 
cussion. Forster  started  up,  dropping  his  book  upon  the 
hearth,  and  jerking  the  table  with  his  elbow,  so  as  to  dash 
out  the  larger  proportion  of  the  contents  of  his  tumbler. 
The  sooty  coronal  of  the  wick  also  fell  with  the  shock,  and 
the  candle,  relieved  from  its  burden,  poured  forth  a 
brighter  gleam. 

**  Lord  ha'  mercy,  Mr  Forster  ;  did  you  hear  that  noise  ?  " 
cried  the  old  housekeeper  (the  only  inhabitant  of  the  cottage 
except  himself),  as  she  bolted  into  the  room,  holding  her 
apron  in  both  hands. 

"  I  did,  indeed,  Mrs  Beazely,"  replied  Forster  ;  "  it*s 
the  signal  of  a  vessel  in  distress,  and  she  must  be  on  a  dead 
lee-shore.  Give  me  my  hat  !  "  and  draining  off  the  re- 
mainder in  his  tumbler,  while  the  old  lady  reached  his 
hat  off  a  peg  in  the  passage,  he  darted  out  from  the  door 
of  his  tenement. 

The  door,  which  faced  to  seaward,  flew  open  with 
violence,  as  Forster  disappeared  in  the  darkness  of  the 
night. 

The  old  housekeeper,  on  whom  had  devolved  the  task  of 
securing  it,  found  it  no  easy  matter  ;  and  the  rain,  blown 
in  by  the  sweeping  gale,  proved  an  effectual  and  unwelcome 
shower-bath  to  one  who  complained  bitterly  of  the  rheu- 
matics. At  last  her  object  was  accomplished,  and  she 
repaired  to  the  parlour  to  re-light  the  candle  which  had 
been  extinguished,  and  await  the  return  of  her  master. 
After  sundry  ejaculations  and  sundry  wonders,  she  took 
possession  of  his  arm-chair,  poked  the  fire,  and  helped 
herself  to  a  glass  of  whiskey-toddy.  As  soon  as  her 
clothes  and  her  tumbler  were  again  dry,  she  announced  by 
loud  snores  that  she  was  in  a  happy  state  of  oblivion ;  in 


The  Merchant  Service  9 

which  we  shall  leave  her,  to  follow  the  motions  of  Edward 
Forster. 

It  was  about  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening  when  Forster 
thus  exposed  himself  to  the  inclemency  of  the  weather. 
But  a  few  weeks  before  how  beautiful  were  the  evenings 
at  this  hour  ;  the  sun  disappearing  beyond  the  distant  wave, 
and  leaving  a  portion  of  his  glory  behind  him,  until  the 
stars,  in  obedience  to  the  divine  fiat,  were  lighted  up  to 
"  shine  by  night ; "  the  sea  rippling  on  the  sand,  or  pouring 
into  the  crevices  of  the  rocks,  changing  its  hue,  as  day- 
light slowly  disappeared,  to  the  more  sombre  colours  it 
reflected,  from  azure  to  each  deeper  tint  of  grey,  until  dark- 
ness closed  in,  and  its  extent  was  scarcely  to  be  defined  by 
the  horizontal  line. 

Now  all  was  changed.  The  roaring  of  the  wind  and 
the  hoarse  beating  of  the  waves  upon  the  streaming  rocks 
deafened  the  ears  of  Edward  Forster.  The  rain  and  spray 
were  hurled  in  his  face,  as,  with  both  hands,  he  secured 
his  hat  upon  his  head  ;  and  the  night  was  so  intensely 
dark  that  but  occasionally  he  could  distinguish  the  broad 
belt  of  foam  with  which  the  coast  was  lined.  Still  Forster 
forced  his  way  towards  the  beach,  which  it  is  now  requisite 
that  we  should  more  particularly  describe. 

As  we  before  observed,  the  cottage  was  built  upon  a  high 
land,  which  terminated  in  a  precipitous  cliff  about  two 
hundred  yards  distant,  and  running  in  a  direct  line  to  the 
westward.  .  To  the  northward  the  coast  for  miles  was  one 
continued  line  of  rocky  cliffs,  affording  no  chance  of  life 
to  those  who  might  be  dashed  upon  them  ;  but  to  the 
southward  of  the  cliff  which  formed  the  promontory 
opposite  to  Forster's  cottage,  and  which  terminated  the 
range,  there  was  a  deep  indent  in  the  line  of  coast,  forming 
a  sandy  and  nearly  land-locked  bay,  small  indeed,  but  so 
sheltered  that  any  vessel  which  could  run  in  might  remain 
there  in  safety  until  the  gale  was  spent.  Its  only  occupant 
was  a  fisherman,  who,  with  his  family,  lived  in  a  small 
cottage  on  the  beach.  He  was  an  ally  of  Forster,  who  had 
entrusted  to  his  charge  a  skiff,  in  which,  during  the  summer 


lo  Newton  Forster;  or, 

months,  he  often  whiled  away  his  time.  It  was  to  this 
cottage  that  Forster  bent  his  way,  and  loudly  knocked 
when  he  arrived. 

*'  Robertson — I  say,  Robertson,"  called  Forster,  at  the 
full  compass  of  his  voice, 

*'  He  is  not  here,  Mr  Forster,"  answered  Jane,  the  wife 
of  the  fisherman;  "he  is  out,  looking  for  the  vessel." 

"  "Which  way  did  he  go  ?  " 

Before  an  answer  could  be  returned,  Robertson  himself 
appeared.  "  I'm  here,  Mr  Forster,"  said  he,  taking  off 
his  fur  cap,  and  squeezing  out  with  both  hands  the  water 
with  which  it  was  loaded ;  "  but  I  can't  see  the  vessel." 

"  Still,  by  the  report  of  the  gun,  she  must  be  close  to 
the  shore.  Get  some  fagots  out  from  the  shed,  and  light 
as  large  a  fire  as  you  can :  don't  spare  them,  my  good 
fellow  ;  I  will  pay  you." 

"  That  I'll  do,  sir,  and  without  pay ;  I  only  hope  that 
they'll  understand  the  signal,  and  lay  her  on  shore  in  the 
cove.     There's  another  gun  !  " 

This  second  report,  so  much  louder  than  the  former, 
indicated  that  the  vessel  had  rapidly  neared  the  land ;  and 
the  direction  from  which  the  report  came  proved  that  she 
must  be  close  to  the  promontory  of  rocks. 

"  Be  smart,  my  dear  fellow,  be  smart,"  cried  Forster. 
"  I  will  go  up  to  the  cliff,  and  try  if  I  can  make  her  out ; " 
and  the  parties  separated  upon  their  mutual  work  of 
sympathy  and  good  will. 

It  was  not  without  danger,  as  well  as  difficulty,  that 
Forster  succeeded  in  his  attempt ;  and  when  he  arrived 
at  the  summit,  a  violent  gust  of  wind  would  have  thrown 
him  off  his  legs,  had  he  not  sunk  down  upon  his  knees 
and  clung  to  the  herbage,  losing  his  hat,  which  was  borne 
far  away  to  leeward.  In  this  position,  drenched  with  the 
rain  and  shivering  with  the  cold,  he  remained  some  minutes, 
attempting  in  vain,  with  straining  eyes,  to  pierce  through 
the  gloom  of  the  night,  when  a  flash  of  lightning,  which 
darted  from  the  zenith,  and  continued  its  eccentric  career 
until  it  was  lost  behind  the  horizon,  discovered  to  him  the 


The  Merchant  Service  ii 

object  of  his  research.  But  a  few  moments  did  he  behold 
it,  and  then,  from  the  sudden  contrast,  a  film  appeared  to 
swim  over  his  aching  eyes,  and  all  was  more  intensely, 
more  horribly  dark  than  before  j  but  to  the  eye  of  a  sea- 
faring man  this  short  view  was  sufficient.  He  perceived 
that  it  was  a  large  ship,  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the 
land,  pressed  gunnel  under  with  her  reefed  courses, 
chopping  through  the  heavy  seas — now  pointing  her  bow- 
sprit to  the  heavens,  as  she  rose  over  the  impeding  swell ; 
now  plunging  deep  into  the  trough  encircled  by  the  foam 
raised  by  her  own  exertions,  like  some  huge  monster  of 
the  deep,  struggling  in  her  toils  and  lashing  the  seas 
around  in  her  violent  efforts  to  escape. 

The  fire  burnt  up  fiercely  in  the  cove,  in  defiance  of 
the  rain  and  wind,  which,  after  in  vain  attempting  to 
destroy  it  in  its  birth,  now  seemed  to  assist  it  with  their 
violence. 

"She  may  yet  be  saved,"  thought  Forster,  *'if  she  will 
only  carry  on.  Two  cables'  length  more,  and  she  will  be 
clear  of  the  point." 

Again  and  again  was  the  vessel  momentarily  presented 
to  his  view,  as  the  forked  lightning  darted  in  every  quarter 
of  the  firmament,  while  the  astounding  claps  of  thunder 
bursting  upon  his  ears  before  the  lightning  had  ceased  to 
gleam,  announced  to  him  that  he  was  kneeling  in  the  very 
centre  of  the  war  of  the  elements.  The  vessel  neared  the 
cliff  in  about  the  same  proportion  that  she  forged  ahead. 
Forster  was  breathless  with  anxiety,  for  the  last  flash  of 
electricity  revealed  to  him  that  two  moments  more  would 
decide  her  fate. 

The  gale  now  redoubled  its  fury,  and  Forster  was 
obliged  to  cling  for  his  existence  as  he  sank,  from  his 
kneeling  posture,  flat  upon  the  wet  herbage.  Still  he 
had  approached  so  near  to  the  edge  of  the  cliff  that  his 
view  below  was  not  interrupted  by  his  change  of  posture. 
Another  flash  of  lightning.  It  was  enough  !  "  God  have 
mercy  on  their  souls  !  "  cried  he,  dropping  his  face  upon 
the  ground  as  if  to  shut  out  the  horrid  vision  from  his  sight. 


12  Newton  Forster;  or, 

He  had  beheld  the  vessel  within  the  surf,  but  a  few 
yards  distant  from  the  outer  rocks,  thrown  on  her  beam- 
ends,  with  both  foresail  and  mainsail  blown  clear  out  of 
their  bolt-ropes.  The  cry  for  succour  was  raised  in  vain  ; 
the  wail  of  despair  was  not  heard ;  the  struggles  for  life 
were  not  beheld,  as  the  elements  in  their  wrath  roared 
and  howled  over  their  victim. 

As  if  satiated  with  its  devastation,  from  that  moment 
the  storm  gradually  abated,  and  Forster,  taking  advantage 
of  a  lull,  slowly  descended  to  the  cove,  where  he  found 
Robertson  still  heaping  fuel  on  the  fire. 

**  Save  your  wood,  my  good  fellow ;  it's  all  over  with 
her ;  and  those  who  were  on  board  are  in  eternity  at  this 
moment,"  said  Forster,  in  a  melancholy  tone, 

*'  Is  she  gone  then,  sir  ?  " 

"  Right  on  the  out^r  ledge  ;  there's  not  a  living  soul  to 
see  your  beacon." 

"  God's  will  be  done  !  "  replied  the  fisherman  ;  "  then 
their  time  was  come — but  He  who  destroys,  can  save  if 
He  pleases  ;  I'll  not  put  out  the  fire  while  there's  a  fagot 
left,  for  you  know,  Mr  Forster,  that  if  anyone  should  by 
a  miracle  be  thrown  into  the  smooth  water  on  this  side  of 
the  point,  he  might  be  saved  ;  that  is,  if  he  swam  well:" 
— and  Robertson  threw  on  more  fagots,  which  soon  flared 
up  with  a  brilliant  hght.  The  fisherman  returned  to  the 
cottage,  to  procure  for  Forster  a  red  woollen  cap  in  lieu 
of  the  hat  which  he  had  lost ;  and  they  both  sat  down 
close  to  the  fire  to  warm  themselves  and  to  dry  their 
streaming  clothes. 

Robertson  had  once  more  replenished  the  fuel,  and  the 
vivid  blaze  glared  along  the  water  in  the  cove,  when  the 
eye  of  Forster  was  attracted  by  the  appearance  of  some- 
thing floating  on  the  wave,  and  evidently  nearing  to  the 
shore.  He  pointed  it  out  to  the  fisherman,  and  they 
descended  to  the  water's  edge,  awaiting  its  approach  with 
intense  anxiety. 

"  It's  not  a  man,  sir,  is  it  ?  "  observed  Robertson  after 
a  minute's  pause. 


The  Merchant  Service  13 

"  I  cannot  make  it  out,"  replied  Forster  ;  '*  but  I  rather 
think  that  it  is  an  animal — something  Hving,  most  as- 
suredly." 

In  another  minute  or  two  the  point  was  decided ;  they 
distinguished  a  large  dog  bearing  something  white  in  its 
mouth,  and  making  for  the  shore  where  they  were  stand- 
ing. Calling  to  the  poor  beast  to  cheer  him,  for  he 
evidently  was  much  exhausted,  and  approached  but  slowly, 
they  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  him  pass  through 
the  surf,  which,  even  at  this  time,  was  not  heavy  in  the 
cove,  and,  with  the  water  pouring  from  his  shaggy  coat, 
stagger  towards  them,  bearing  in  his  mouth  his  burden, 
which  he  laid  down  at  Forster's  feet,  and  then  shook  off 
the  accumulation  of  moisture  from  his  skin.  Forster 
took  up  the  object  of  the  animal's  solicitude — it  was  the 
body  of  an  infant,  apparently  a  few  months  old. 

"Poor  thing  !"  cried  Forster,  mournfully. 

**  It's  quite  dead,  sir,"  observed  the  fisherman. 

**  I  am  afraid  so,"  replied  Forster,  "  but  it  cannot  have 
been  so  long  ;  the  dog  evidently  bore  it  up  clear  of  the 
water  until  it  came  into  the  surf.  Who  knows  but  we 
might  restore  it  ?  " 

**  If  anything  will  restore  it,  sir,  it  will  be  the  warmth 
of  a  woman's  breast,  to  which  it  hitherto  hath  clung. 
Jane  shall  take  it  in  her  bed,  between  her  and  the  little 
ones ; "  and  the  fisherman  entered  the  hut  with  the  child, 
which  was  undressed,  and  received  by  his  wife  with  all 
the  sympathy  which  maternal  feelings  create,  even  towards 
the  offspring  of  others^  To  the  delight  of  Forster,  in  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  Robertson  came  out  of  the  cottage 
with  the  intelligence  that  the  child  had  moved  and  cried 
a  little,  and  that  there  was  every  chance  of  its  recovery. 

"  It's  a  beautiful  Httle  girl,  sir,  Jane  says  ;  and  if  it 
lives,  she  will  halve  her  milk  between  it  and  our  little 
Tommy." 

Forster  remained  another  half-hour,  until  he  had  ascer- 
tained that  the  child  had  taken  the  breast  and  had  fallen 
asleep.     Congratulating  himself  at  having  been  the  means 


14  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

of  saving  even  one  little  life  out  of  the  many  which,  in  all 
probability,  had  been  swallowed  up,  he  called  to  the  dog, 
who  had  remained  passive  by  the  fire,  and  rose  up  to 
return  home ;  but  the  dog  retreated  to  the  door  of  the 
cottage  into  which  he  had  seen  the  infant  carried,  and  all 
attempts  to  coax  him  away  were  fruitless. 

Forster  summoned  Robertson,  to  whom  he  gave  some 
further  directions,  and  then  returned  to  his  home,  where, 
on  his  arrival,  his  old  housekeeper,  who  had  never  been 
awakened  from  her  sound  nap  until  roused  by  his  knock- 
ing at  the  door,  scolded  him  not  a  little  for  being  out 
in  such  tempestuous  weather,  and  a  great  deal  more  for 
having  obliged  her  to  sit  up  and  watch  all  night  until  his 
return. 

Chapter  III 

"  Creation  smiles  around  ;  on  every  spray 
The  warbling  birds  exalt  their  evening  lay ; 
Blithe  skipping  o'er  yon  hill,  the  fleecy  train 
Join  the  deep  chorus  of  the  lowing  plain  : 
The  glassy  ocean,  hush'd,  forgets  to  roar, 
But  trembling,  murmurs  on  the  sandy  shore." 

Falconer. 

Forster  was  soon  fast  asleep  after  his  night  of  exertion  : 
his  dreams  were  confused  and  wild  ;  but  I  seldom  trouble 
people  about  dreams,  which  are  as  naught.  When  Reason 
descends  from  her  throne,  and  seeks  a  transitory  respite 
from  her  labour.  Fancy  usurps  the  vacant  seat,  and  in 
pretended  majesty,  would  fain  exert  her  sister's  various 
powers.  These  she  enacts  to  the  best  of  her  ability,  and 
with  about  the  same  success  as  attends  a  monkey  when  he 
attempts  the  several  operations  connected  with  the  mystery 
of  shaving  : — and  thus  ends  a  very  short  and  conclusive 
dissertation  upon  dreams. 

But,  to  use  a  nautical  phrase,  we  must  "  heave-to  "  in 
our  narrative  awhile,  as  it  is  necessary  that  we  should 
enter  a  little  more  into  the  previous  history  of  Edward 
Forster  ;  which  we  can  now  do  without  interruption,  as 


The  Merchant  Service  15 

the  parties  we  have  introduced  to  the  reader  are  all 
asleep. 

The  father  of  Edward  Forster  was  a  clergyman,  who, 
notwithstanding  he  could  reckon  up  some  twenty  or  thirty 
first,  second,  and  third  cousins  with  high-sounding  titles, 
officiated  as  curate  in  a  district  not  far  from  that  part  of 
the  country  where  Forster  at  present  was  located.  He 
was  one  of  the  bees  of  the  Church,  who  are  constantly 
toiling,  while  the  drones  are  eating  up  the  honey.  He 
preached  three  sermons,  and  read  three  services,  at  three 
different  stations  every  Sunday  throughout  the  year ;  while 
he  christened,  married,  and  buried  a  population  extending 
over  some  thousands  of  square  acres,  for  the  scanty  stipend 
of  one  hundred  per  annum.  Soon  after  he  was  in  posses- 
sion of  his  curacy,  he  married  a  young  woman,  who  brought 
him  beauty  and  modesty  as  her  dower,  and  subsequently 
pledges  of  mutual  love  ad  lib.  But  He  that  giveth,  taketh 
away  5  and  out  of  nearly  a  score  of  these  interesting  but 
expensive  presents  to  her  husband,  only  three,  all  of  the 
masculine  gender,  arrived  at  years  of  maturity.  John  (or 
Jock  as  he  usually  was  called),  who  was  the  eldest,  was 
despatched  to  London,  where  he  studied  the  law  under  a 
relation ;  who,  perceiving  that  Mrs  Forster's  annual  pre- 
sentation of  the  living  was  not  followed  up  by  any 
presentation  to  the  living,  kindly  took  charge  of  and 
received  him  into  his  own  house. 

Jock  was  a  hard-headed  fellow,  studied  with  great 
diligence,  and  retained  what  he  read,  although  he  did  not 
read  fast ;  but  that  which  he  lost  in  speed  he  made  up  by 
perseverance,  and  had  now,  entirely  by  his  own  exertions, 
risen  to  considerable  eminence  in  his  profession  ;  but  he 
had  been  severed  from  his  family  in  early  days,  and  had 
never  been  able  to  return  to  them.  He  heard,  indeed,  of 
the  birth  of  sundry  brothers  and  sisters  ;  of  their  deaths  ; 
and  lastly,  of  the  demise  of  his  parents, — the  only  com- 
munication which  affected  him  ;  for  he  loved  his  father  and 
mother,  and  was  anticipating  the  period  when  he  might 
possess  the  means  of  rendering  them  more  comfortable. 


1 6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

But  all  this  had  long  passed  away.  He  was  now  a  bachelor 
past  fifty,  bearish  and  uncouth  in  his  appearance,  and  un- 
gracious in  his  deportment.  Secluded  in  his  chambers, 
poring  over  the  dry  technicalities  of  his  profession,  he  had 
divided  the  moral  world  into  two  parts — honest  and  dis- 
honest, lawful  and  unlawful.  All  other  feelings  and 
affections,  if  he  had  them,  were  buried,  and  had  never 
been  raised  to  the  surface.  At  the  time  we  speak  of,  he 
continued  his  laborious,  yet  lucrative,  profession,  toiling  in 
his  harness  like  a  horse  in  a  mill,  heaping  up  riches,  know- 
ing not  who  should  gather  them  ;  not  from  avarice,  but 
from  long  habit,  which  rendered  his  profession  not  only 
his  pleasure,  but  essential  to  his  very  existence.  Edward 
Forster  had  not  seen  him  for  nearly  twenty  years  ;  the  last 
time  was  when  he  passed  through  London  upon  his  retire- 
ment from  the  service.  Indeed,  as  they  never  corresponded 
(for  there  was  nothing  in  common  between  them),  it  is  a 
matter  of  doubt  whether  Jock  was  exactly  aware  which  of 
his  brothers  remained  alive  ;  and  had  it  been  a  subject  of 
interest,  he  would,  in  all  probability,  have  referred  to  the 
former  letters  of  his  father  and  mother,  as  legal  documents, 
to  ascertain  who  was  remaining  of  his  kin. 

The  next  surviving  son  was  yclept  (there's  something 
very  consonant  in  that  word)  Nicholas.  The  Reverend  Mr 
Forster,  who  had  no  inheritance  to  bequeath  to  his  family 
except  a  good  name,  which,  although  better  than  riches,  will 
not  always  procure  for  a  man  one  penny  loaf,  naturally 
watched  for  any  pecuHar  symptoms  of  genius  in  his  children 
which  might  designate  one  of  the  various  paths  to  wealth 
and  fame  by  which  it  would  be  most  easy  for  the  individual 
to  ascend.  Now  it  did  occur  that  when  Nicholas  was  yet 
in  womanish  attire,  he  showed  a  great  partiality  to  a  burn- 
ing-glass, with  which  he  contrived  to  do  much  mischief. 
He  would  burn  the  dog's  nose  as  he  slept  in  the  sun  before 
the  door.  His  mother's  gown  showed  proofs  of  his  genius 
by  sundry  little  round  holes,  which  were  considerably  in- 
creased each  time  that  it  returned  from  the  wash.  Nay, 
heretical  and  damnable  as  is  the  fact,  his  father's  surplice 


The  Merchant  Service  17 

was  as  a  moth-eaten  garment  from  the  repeated  and  in- 
sidious attacks  of  this  young  philosopher.  The  burning- 
glass  decided  his  fate.  He  was  bound  apprentice  to  an 
optical  and  mathematical  instrument  maker  ;  from  which 
situation  he  was,  if  possible,  to  emerge  into  the  highest 
grade  of  the  profession  ;  but  somehow  or  another,  a  want 
of  ambition  or  of  talent  did  not  permit  him  to  ascend  the 
scale,  and  he  now  kept  a  shop  in  the  small  seaport  town  of 
Overton,  where  he  repaired  damaged  articles  of  science — 
a  watch  one  day,  a  quadrant  or  a  compass  another  ;  but  his 
chief  employment  and  his  chief  forte  lay  in  telescopes ; 
and  accordingly,  a  large  board,  with  "  Nicholas  Forster, 
Optician,"  surmounted  the  small  shop  window,  at  which  he 
was  invariably  to  be  seen  at  his  employment.  He  was  an 
eccentric  person,  one  of  those  who  had  narrowly  escaped 
being  clever ;  but  there  was  an  obliquity  in  his  mind  which 
would  not  admit  of  lucid  order  and  arrangement.  In  the 
small  town  where  he  resided,  he  continued  to  pick  up  a 
decent  sustenance ;  for  he  had  no  competitor,  and  was 
looked  upon  as  a  man  of  considerable  ability.  He  was  the 
only  one  of  the  three  brothers  who  had  ventured  upon 
wedlock.  But  of  this  part  of  our  history  we  shall  at 
present  say  no  more  than  that  he  had  an  only  child,  and 
had  married  his  wife,  to  use  his  own  expression,  because 
she  suited  his  focus, 

Edward  Forster,  the  youngest,  whom  we  have  already 
introduced  to  the  reader,  showed  strong  nautical  pro- 
pensities ;  he  swam  nut-shells  in  a  puddle,  and  sent  pieces 
of  lath  with  paper  sails  floating  down  the  brook  which 
gurgled  by  the  parsonage.  This  was  circumstantial 
evidence  :  he  was  convicted,  and  ordered  off  to  sea,  to 
return  a  Nelson.  For  his  conduct  during  the  time  he 
served  her,  Edward  Forster  certainly  deserved  well 
of  his  country  •,  and  had  he  been  enabled  to  continue  in 
his  profession,  would  in  all  probability  have  risen  by 
his  merit  to  its  highest  grades ;  but  having  served  his 
time  as  midshipman,  he  received  a  desperate  wound  in 
"  cutting  out,"  and  shortly  after  obtained  his  promotion  to 

F  B 


1 8  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

the  rank  of  lieutenant  for  his  gallant  conduct.  His  wound 
was  of  that  severe  description  that  he  was  obliged  to  quit 
the  service,  and,  for  a  time,  retire  upon  his  half-pay.  For 
many  years  he  looked  forward  to  the  period  when  he 
could  resume  his  career : — but  in  vain  ;  the  wound  broke 
out  again  and  again  ;  fresh  splinters  of  the  bone  continually 
worked  out,  and  he  was  doomed  to  constant  disappoint- 
ment. At  last  it  healed ;  but  years  of  suffering  had 
quenched  the  ardour  of  youth,  and  when  he  did  apply  for 
employment,  his  services  had  been  forgotten.  He  received 
a  cool  negative,  almost  consonant  to  his  wishes :  and 
returned,  without  feeling  mortified,  to  the  cottage  we 
have  described,  where  he  lived  a  secluded  yet  not  unhappy 
life.  His  wants  were  few,  and  his  half-pay  more  than 
adequate  to  supply  them.  A  happy  contemplative  in- 
dolence, arising  from  a  well-cultivated  mind,  feeding 
rather  upon  its  previous  acquirements  than  adding  to  its 
store — an  equanimity  of  disposition,  and  a  habit  of  rigid 
self-command — were  the  characteristics  of  Edward  Forster; 
whom  I  shall  now  awaken,  that  we  may  proceed  with  our 
narrative. 

*'  Well,  I  do  declare,  Mr  Forster,  you  have  had  a  famous 
nap,"  cried  Mrs  Beazely,  in  a  tone  of  voice  so  loud  as  to 
put  an  immediate  end  to  his  slumber,  as  she  entered  his 
room  with  some  hot  water  to  assist  him  in  that  masculine 
operation,  the  diurnal  painful  return  of  which  has  been 
considered  to  be  more  than  tantamount  in  suffering  to  the 
occasional  *'  pleasing  punishment  which  women  bear." 
Although  this  cannot  be  proved  until  ladies  are  endowed 
with  beards  (which  Heaven  forfend !),  or  some  modern 
Tiresias  shall  appear  to  decide  the  point,  the  assertion 
appears  to  be  borne  out,  if  we  reason  by  analogy  from 
human  life ;  where  we  find  that  it  is  not  the  heavy  blow 
of  sudden  misfortune  tripping  the  ladder  of  our  ambition 
and  laying  us  prostrate,  which  constitutes  life's  intermittent 
"  fitful  fever,"  but  the  thousand  petty  vexations  of  hourly 
occurrence. We  return  to  Mrs  Beazely,  who  con- 
tinued—"  W~hy,  it's  nine  o'clock,  Mr  Forster,  and  a  nice 


The  Merchant  Service  19 

fresh  morning  it  is  too,  after  last  night's  tempest.  And 
pray  what  did  you  hear  and  see,  sir  ? "  continued  the  old 
woman,  opening  the  shutters  and  admitting  a  blaze  of  sun- 
shine, as  if  determined  that  at  all  events  he  should  now 
both  hear  and  see. 

"  I'll  tell  you  all,  Mrs  Beazely,  when  I  am  dressed. 
Let  me  have  my  breakfast  as  soon  as  you  can,  for  I  must 
be  off  again  to  the  cove.  I  did  not  intend  to  have  slept 
so  late." 

"  Why,  what's  in  the  wind  now,  Mr  Forster  } "  said  the 
old  lady,  borrowing  one  of  his  nautical  phrases. 

"  If  you  wish  to  know,  Mrs  Beazely,  the  sooner  you 
allow  me  to  get  out  of  bed,  the  sooner  I  shall  be  able  to 
give  you  the  information  you  require." 

"  But  what  made  you  stay  out  so  late,  Mr  Forster  ?  " 
continued  the  housekeeper,  who  seemed  determined,  if 
possible,  to  have  a  little  information  en  atte?idant,  to  stay 
her  appetite  until  her  curiosity  could  obtain  a  more  sub- 
stantial repast. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  say,  there  was  a  vessel  wrecked." 

"  Oh  dear  !   O  dear  !      Any  lives  lost  ?  " 

**  Al],  I  am  afraid,  except  one,  and  even  that  is 
doubtful." 

"  O  Lord  !  O  Lord  !  Do,  pray,  Mr  Forster,  tell  me 
all  about  it." 

**  As  soon  as  I  am  dressed,  Mrs  Beazely,"  replied  Mr 
Forster,  making  a  movement  indicative  that  he  was  about 
to  "  turn  out,'''  ivhether  or  ?io,  and  which  occasioned  Mrs 
Beazely  to  make  a  hasty  retreat. 

In  a  few  minutes  Forster  made  his  appearance  in  the 
parlour,  where  he  found  both  the  kettle  and  the  house- 
keeper boiling  with  impatience.  He  commenced  eating 
and  narrating  until  the  respective  appetites  of  Mrs  Beazely 
and  himself  were  equally  appeased,  and  then  set  oif  for 
the  abode  of  Robertson,  to  ascertain  the  fate  of  the 
infant. 

How  different  was  the  scene  from  that  of  the  night 
before  !     The    sea  was  still   in  commotion ;    and  as  the 


20  Newton  Forster  ;  or^ 

bright  sun  shone  upon  its  agitated  surface,  gilding  the 
summits  of  the  waves,  although  there  was  majesty  and 
beauty  in  the  appearance,  there  was  nought  to  excite 
terror.  The  atmosphere,  purified  by  the  warfare  of  the 
elements,  was  fresh  and  bracing.  The  short  verdure 
which  covered  the  promontory  and  hills  adjacent  was  of 
a  more  brilliant  green,  and  seemed  as  if  to  bask  in  the 
sun  after  the  cleansing  it  had  received  from  the  heavy 
rain  ;  v/hile  the  sheep  (for  the  coast  was  one  extended 
sheep-walk)  studded  the  sides  of  the  hills,  their  white 
fleeces  in  strong  yet  beautiful  contrast  with  the  deep 
verdure  of  nature.  The  smooth  water  of  the  cove,  in 
opposition  to  the  vexed  billows  of  the  unsheltered  ocean ; 
the  murmuring  of  the  light  waves,  running  in  long  and 
gently  curved  lines  to  their  repose  upon  the  yellow  sand ; 
their  surface  occasionally  rippled  by  the  eddying  breeze 
as  it  swept  along  •,  his  own  little  skiff  safe  at  her  moorings, 
undulating  with  the  swell  j  the  sea-gulls,  who  but  a  few 
hours  ago  were  screaming  with  dismay  as  they  buffeted 
against  the  fury  of  the  gale,  now  skimming  on  the  waves, 
or  balanced  on  the  wing  near  to  their  inaccessible  retreats  ; 
the  carolling  of  the  smaller  birds  on  every  side  of  him, 
produced  a  lightness  of  heart  and  quickened  pulse,  to 
which  Edward  Forster  had  latterly  been  a  stranger. 

He  soon  arrived  at  the  cottage,  where  the  sound  of  his 
footsteps  brought  out  the  fisherman  and  his  wife,  the 
latter  bearing  in  her  arms  the  little  object  of  his  solicitude, 

"See,  Mr  Forster,"  said  Jane,  holding  out  the  infant, 
"it's  quite  well  and  hearty,  and  does  nothing  but  smile. 
What  a  lovely  babe  it  is  ! " 

Forster  looked  at  the  child,  who  smiled,  as  if  in 
gratitude ;  but  his  attention  was  called  away  by  the 
Newfoundland  dog,  who  fawned  upon  him,  and  after 
having  received  his  caresses,  squatted  down  upon  the 
sand,  which  he  beat  with  his  tail  as  he  looked  wistfully 
in  Forster's  face. 

Forster  took  the  child  from  the  arms  of  its  new  mother. 
*'  Thou  hast  had  a  narrow  escape,  poor  thing,"  said  he. 


The  Merchant  Service  21 

and  his  countenance  assumed  a  melancholy  cast  as  the 
ideas  floated  in  his  mind.  *'  Who  knows  how  many  more 
perils  may  await  thee  ?  "Who  can  say  whether  thou  art  to 
be  restored  to  the  arms  of  thy  relatives,  or  to  be  left  an 
orphan  to  a  sailor's  care  ?  Whether  it  had  not  been 
better  that  the  waves  should  have  swallowed  thee  in  thy 
purity,  than  thou  shouldest  be  exposed  to  a  heartless 
world  of  sorrow  and  of  crime  ?  But  He  who  willed  thee 
to  be  saved  knows  best  for  us  who  are  in  darkness  ; " 
and  Forster  kissed  its  brow,  and  returned  it  to  the  arms 
of  Jane. 

Having  made  a  few  arrangements  with  Robertson  and 
his  wife,  in  whose  care  he  resolved  at  present  to  leave 
the  child,  Forster  bent  his  steps  towards  the  promontory, 
that  he  might  ascertain  if  any  part  of  the  vessel  remained. 
Stretching  over  the  summit  of  the  cliff,  he  perceived  that 
several  of  the  lower  futtocks  and  timbers  still  hung 
together,  and  showed  themselves  above  water.  Anxious 
to  obtain  some  clue  to  her  identity,  he  prepared  to  descend 
by  a  winding  and  hazardous  path  which  he  had  before 
surmounted.  In  a  quarter  of  an  hour  he  had  gained  a 
position  close  to  the  wreck  ;  but,  with  the  exception  of 
the  shattered  remnant  which  was  firmly  wedged  between 
the  rocks,  there  was  nothing  to  be  seen  ;  not  a  fragment 
of  her  masts  and  spars,  or  sails,  not  a  relic  of  what  once 
was  life  remained.  The  tide,  which  ran  furiously  round 
the  promontory,  had  swept  them  all  away,  or  the  undertoiv 
of  the  deep  water  had  buried  every  detached  particle, 
to  be  delivered  up  again,  "  far,  far  at  sea."  All  that 
Forster  could  ascertain  was  that  the  vessel  was  foreign 
built,  and  of  large  tonnage  j  but  who  were  its  unfor- 
tunate tenants,  or  what  the  cargo,  of  which  she  had  been 
despoiled  by  the  devouring  waves,  was  not  even  to  be 
surmised.  The  linen  on  the  child  was  marked  J.  de  F. ; 
and  this  was  the  only  clue  which  remained  for  its  identity. 
For  more  than  an  hour  did  Forster  remain  fixed  as  a 
statue  upon  the  rock,  where  he  had  taken  his  station 
with  arms  folded,  while  he  contemplated  the  hoarse  waves 


22  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

dashing  against  the  bends,  or  dividing  as  they  poured 
themselves  between  the  timbers  of  the  vessel,  and  he  sank 
into  deep  and  melancholy  thought. 

And  where  is  the  object  exciting  more  serious  reflection 
than  a  nvrech  ? 

The  pride  and  ingenuity  of  man  humbled  and  overcome ; 
the  elements  of  the  Lord  occupying  the  fabric  which  had 
set  them  at  defiance ;  tossing,  tumbling,  and  dancing,  as  if 
in  mockery  at  their  success  !  The  structure,  but  a  few 
hours  past,  as  perfect  as  human  intellect  could  devise, 
towering  with  its  proud  canvas  over  space,  and  bearing 
man  to  greet  his  fellow-man,  over  the  surface  of  death ! — • 
dashing  the  billow  from  her  stem,  as  if  in  scorn,  while  she 
pursued  her  trackless  way — bearing  tidings  of  peace  and 
security,  of  war  and  devastation — tidings  of  joy  or  grief, 
affecting  whole  kingdoms  and  empires,  as  if  they  were  but 
individuals  ! 

Now,  the  waters  delight  in  their  revenge,  and  sparkle 
with  joy,  as  the  sun  shines  upon  their  victory.  That  keel, 
which  with  the  sharpness  of  a  scythe  has  so  often  mowed 
its  course  through  the  reluctant  wave,  is  now  buried — 
buried  deep  in  the  sand,  which  the  angry  surge  accumu- 
lates each  minute,  as  if  determined  that  it  never  will  be 
subject  to  its  weight  again. 

How  many  seasons  had  rolled  away,  how  many  millions 
had  returned  to  the  dust  from  which  they  sprung,  before 
the  kernels  had  swelled  into  the  forest  giants  levelled  for 
that  structure  ; — what  labour  had  been  undergone  to  com- 
plete the  task ; — how  many  of  the  existent  race  found 
employment  and  subsistence  as  they  slowly  raised  that 
monument  of  human  skill; — how  often  had  the  weary 
miner  laid  aside  his  tool  to  wipe  his  sweating  brow,  before 
the  metals  required  for  its  completion  had  been  brought 
from  darkness  j — what  thousands  had  been  employed 
before  it  was  prepared  and  ready  for  its  destined  use  ! 
Yon  copper  bolt,  twisted  with  a  force  not  human,  and 
raised  above  the  waters,  as  if  in  evidence  of  their  dreadful 
power,  may  contain  a  history  in  itself. 


The  Merchant  Service  23 

How  many  of  her  own  structure  must  have  been 
employed,  bringing  from  the  north,  the  south,  the  east, 
and  the  west,  her  masts,  her  spars,  her  ^^  hempen  tackle^"* 
and  her  canvas  wings ;  her  equipment  in  all  its  variety  ; 
her  stores  for  the  support  of  hfe ;  her  magazines  of 
quiescent  death.^  And  they  who  so  fearlessly  trod  her 
decks,  conscious  of  their  own  powers,  and  confident  in 
their  own  skill ;  they  who  expanded  her  thousands  of 
yards  of  canvas  to  the  pursuing  breeze,  or  reduced  them, 
like  magic,  at  the  approaching  storm — where  are  they  now  ? 
How  many  sighs  have  been  lavished  at  their  absence  !  how 
many  hearths  would  have  been  gladdened  by  their  return ' 
Where  are  the  hopes,  the  fears,  the  ambition,  and  the 
pride ;  the  courage  and  the  enterprise  \  the  love  and  the 
yearnings  after  their  kin ;  the  speculations  of  the  present, 
and  the  calculations  of  the  future,  which  occupied  their  minds, 
or  were  cherished  in  their  bosoms  ?     All — all  wrecked ! 

Days,  weeks,  and  months  rolled  away ;  yet  every  step 
that  could  be  taken  to  find  out  the  name  of  the  vessel 
proved  unavailing.  Although  the  conjecture  of  Forster, 
that  she  was  one  of  the  many  foreign  West  Indiamen 
which  had  met  with  a  similar  fate  during  that  tempestuous 
winter,  was  probably  correct  ;  still  no  clue  could  be 
gathered  by  which  the  parentage  of  the  little  girl  could  be 
ascertained.  The  linen  was,  indeed,  marked  with  initials ; 
but  this  circumstance  offered  but  a  faint  prospect  of  dis- 
covery. Either  her  relations,  convinced  of  her  loss,  made 
no  inquiries,  or  the  name  of  the  vessel  in  which  she  had 
been  a  passenger  was  not  known  to  them.  The  child  had 
been  weaned,  and  removed  to  the  cottage,  where  it  occupied 
much  of  the  attention  of  the  old  housekeeper  and  Forster, 
who,  despairing  of  its  ever  being  reclaimed,  determined  to 
bring  it  up  as  his  own. 

Mrs    Beazely,   the  housekeeper,  was   a  good-tempered 

woman,    long    past    the    grand    climacteric,    and    strongly 

attached    to    Forster,   with  whom  she  had   resided  many 

years.     But,  like  all  women,  whether  married  or  single, 

*  We  presume  the  gentleman  means  gunpowder. — Ed. 


24  Newton  Forster;  or, 

who  have  the  responsibility  of  a  household,  she  would 
have  her  own  way  j  and  scolded  her  master  with  as  little 
ceremony  as  if  she  had  been  united  to  him  by  matrimonial 
bonds. 

To  this  Forster  quietly  submitted  -,  he  had  lived  long 
enough  to  be  aware  that  people  are  not  the  happiest  who 
are  not  under  control,  and  was  philosopher  sufficient  to 
submit  to  the  penal  code  of  matrimony  without  tasting  its 
enjoyments.  The  arrival  of  the  infant  made  him  more 
than  ever  feel  as  if  he  were  a  married  man ;  for  he  had  all 
the  delights  of  the  nursery  in  addition  to  his  previous 
discipline.  But,  although  bound  by  no  ties,  he  found 
himself  happier.  He  soon  played  with  the  infant,  and 
submitted  to  his  housekeeper  with  all  the  docility  of  a 
well-trained  married  man. 

The  Newfoundland  dog,  who,  although  (like  some  of 
his  betters)  he  did  not  change  his  namey^^r  a  fortune,  did, 
in  all  probability,  change  it  ivith  his  fortune,  soon  answered 
to  the  deserved  epithet  of  **  Faithful,"  and  slept  at  the 
foot  of  the  crib  of  his  little  mistress,  who  also  was  to  be 
rechristened.  "  She  is  a  treasure,  which  has  been  thrown 
up  by  the  ocean,"  said  Forster,  kissing  the  lovely  infant. 
*'  Let  her  name  be  Amber. ''^ 

But  we  must  leave  her  to  bud  forth  in  her  innocence  and 
purity,  while  we  direct  the  attention  of  the  reader  to  other 
scenes,  which  are  contemporary  with  those  we  have 
described. 

Chapter  IV 

"  A  woman  moved  is  like  a  fountain  troubled, 
Muddy,  ill-seeming,  thick,  bereft  of  beauty  ; 
And  while  'tis  so,  none  so  dry  or  thirsty 
Will  deign  to  sip,  or  touch  one  drop  of  it." 

Shakespeare. 

A  MAN  may  purchase  an  estate,  a  tenement,  or  a  horse, 
because  they  have  pleased  his  fancy,  and  eventually  find 
out  that  he  has  not  exactly  suited  himself  j  and  it  some- 


The  Merchant  Service  25 

times  will  occur  that  a  man  is  placed  in  a  similar  situation 
relative  to  his  choice  of  a  wife  : — a  more  serious  evil  j  as, 
although  the  prime  cost  may  be  nothing,  there  is  no  chance 
of  getting  rid  of  this  latter  speculation  by  re-vending,  as 
you  may  the  former.  Now  it  happened  that  Nicholas 
Forster,  of  whom  we  have  already  made  slight  mention, 
although  he  considered  at  the  time  of  his  marriage  that 
the  person  he  had  selected  would  exactly  suit  his  focus,  did 
eventually  discover  that  he  was  more  short-sighted  in  his 
choice  than  an  optician  ought  to  have  been. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  personal  charms  of  Mrs 
Nicholas  Forster  at  the  time  of  their  union,  she  had,  at  the 
period  of  our  narrative,  but  few  to  boast  of,  being  a  thin, 
sharp-nosed,  ferret-eyed  little  woman,  teeming  with 
suspicion,  jealousy,  and  bad  humours  of  every  description  : 
her  whole  employment  (we  may  say,  her  whole  delight) 
was  in  finding  fault :  her  shrill  voice  was  to  be  heard  from 
the  other  side  of  the  street  from  morning  until  night. 
The  one  servant  which  their  finances  enabled  them  with 
difficulty  to  retain,  and  whom  they  engaged  as  a  maid  of 
all  work  (and  certainly  she  was  not  permitted  by  Mrs 
Forster  to  be  idle  in  her  multifarious  duty),  seldom  re- 
mained above  her  mo7ith  ;  and  nothing  but  the  prospect  of 
immediate  starvation  could  induce  any  one  to  offer  herself 
in  the  capacity. 

Mr  Nicholas  Forster,  fortunately  for  his  own  happi- 
ness, was  of;  that  peculiar  temperament  that  nothing 
could  completely  rouse  his  anger :  he  was  absent  to  an 
excess  ;  and  if  any  language  or  behaviour  on  the  part  of 
his  wife  induced  his  choler  to  rise,  other  ideas  would  efface 
the  cause  from  his  memory  ;  and  this  hydra  of  the  human 
bosom,  missing  the  object  of  its  intended  attack,  again  lay 
down  to  rest. 

The  violence  and  vituperation  of  his  spouse  were, 
therefore,  lost  upon  Nicholas  Forster  ;  and  the  impossibility 
of  disturbing  the  equanimity  of  his  temper  increased  the 
irritabiUty  of  her  own.  Still  Mr  Nicholas  Forster,  when 
he  did  reflect  upon  the  subject,  which  was  but  during 


26  Newton  Forster;  or, 

momentary  fits  of  recollection,  could  not  help  acknowledg- 
ing that  he  should  be  much  more  quiet  and  happy  when  it 
pleased  Heaven  to  summon  Mrs  Forster  to  a  better  world: 
and  this  idea  ultimately  took  possession  of  his  imagination. 
Her  constant  turbulence  interfered  so  much  with  the 
prosecution  of  his  plans,  that,  finding  it  impossible  to 
carry  them  into  execution,  everything  that  he  considered 
of  moment  was  mentally  put  off  until  Mrs  Forster  was 
dead  \ 

"  Well,  Mr  Forster,  how  long  is  the  dinner  to  wait 
before  you  think  proper  to  come  ?  Everything  will  be 
cold,  as  usual.  (N.B.  The  dinner  consisted  of  the  remains 
of  a  cold  shoulder  of  mutton.) — Or  do  you  mean  to  have 
any  dinner  at  all  ?  Betty,  clear  away  the  table ;  I  have  my 
work  to  do,  and  won't  wait  any  longer." 

"I'm  coming,  my  dear,  I'm  coming;  only  this  balance- 
spring  is  a  job  that  I  cannot  well  leave,"  replied  Nicholas, 
continuing  his  vocation  in  the  shop,  with  a  magnifying  glass^ 
attached  to  his  eye. 

"  Coming  !  yes,  and  Christmas  is  coming,  Mr  Forster. — 
Well,  the  dinner's  going,  I  can  tell  you." 

Nicholas,  who  did  not  want  appetite,  and  who  was  con- 
scious that  if  the  mutton  returned  to  the  cupboard  there 
would  be  some  difficulty  made  in  reproducing  it,  laid  down 
the  watch  and  came  into  the  back  parlour. 

*'Well,  my  dear,  here  I  am  j  sorry  to  have  kept  you 
waiting  so  long,  but  business  must  be  attended  to.  Dear 
me !  why,  the  mutton  is  really  quite  cold,"  continued 
Nicholas,  thrusting  a  large  piece  into  his  mouth,  quite  for- 
getting that  he  had  already  dined  twice  off  the  identical 
joint.  "  That's  a  fine  watch  of  Mr  Tobin's  ;  but  I  think 
that  my  improvement  upon  the  duplex  when  I  have  finished 
it " 

"  When  you  have  finished  it,  indeed  !"  retorted  the  lady  ; 
"  why,  when  did  you  ever  finish  anything,  Mr  Forster  ? 
Finish,  indeed ! " 

"Well,  my  dear,"  replied  the  husband,  with  an  absent 
air — "  I  do  mean  to  finish  it,  when— ;;c7«  are  deadl  " 


The  Merchant  Service  27 

"  When  I  am  dead  ! "  screamed  the  lady,  in  a  rage — 
"  when  I  am  dead !  "  continued  she,  placing  her  arms 
akimbo,  as  she  started  from  the  chair.  "  I  can  tell  you,  Mr 
Forster,  that  I'll  live  long  enough  to  plague  you.  It's  not 
the  first  time  that  you've  said  so ;  but  depend  upon  it,  I'll 
dance  upon  your  grave  yet,  Mr  Forster." 

*^I  did  not  exactly  mean  to  say  that ;  not  exactly  that, 
my  dear,"  replied  Nicholas,  confused.  "  The  fact  is  that 
I  was  not  exactly  aware  of  what  I  was  saying — I  had  not 
precisely  the " 

**  Precisely  the  fiddle-stick,  Mr  Forster!  you  did  mean 
it,  and  you  do- mean  it,  and  this  is  all  the  return  that  I  am 
to  expect  for  my  kindness  and  anxiety  for  your  welfare — 
slaving  and  toiling  all  day  as  I  do ;  but  you're  incorrigible, 
Mr  Forster :  look  at  you,  helping  yourself  out  of  your 
snuff-box  instead  of  the  salt-cellar.  What  man  in  his  senses 
would  eat  a  cold  shoulder  of  mutton  with  tobacco  ? " 

"Dear  me,  so  I  have,"  replied  Forster,  removing  the 
snuff  taken  from  the  box,  which,  as  usual,  lay  open  before 
him,  not  into  the  box  again,  but  into  the  salt-cellar. 

"  And  who's  to  eat  that  salt  now,  you  nasty  beast  ?" 

*'  I  am  not  a  beast,  Mrs  Forster,"  replied  her  husband, 
whose  choler  was  roused  ;  "  I  made  a  mistake ;  I  do  not 
perceive — now  I  recollect  it,  did  you  send  Betty  with  the 
'  day  and  night  glass '  to  Captain  Simkins  ? " 

''Yes,  I  did,  Mr  Forster;  if  I  did  not  look  after  your 
business,  I  should  like  to  know  what  would  become  of  us ; 
and  I  can  tell  you,  Mr  Forster,  that  if  you  do  not  contrive 
to  get  more  business,  there  will  soon  be  nothing  to  eat ; 
seventeen  and  sixpence  is  all  that  I  have  received  this  last 
week ;  and  how  rent  and  fire,  meat  and  drink,  are  to  be 
paid  for  with  that,  you  must  explain,  for  I  can't." 

"  How  can  I  help  it,  my  dear  ?     I  never  refuse  a  job." 

"  Never  refuse  a  job  ?  no  ;  but  you  must  contrive  to 
make  more  business." 

"  I  can  mend  a  watch,  and  make  a  telescope,  but  I  can't 
make  business,  my  dear,"  replied  Nicholas. 

'*  Yes,  you  can,  and  you  must,  Mr  Forster,"  continued 


28  Newton  Forster;  or, 

the  lady,  sweeping  off  the  remains  of  the  mutton,  just  as 
her  husband  had  fixed  his  eye  upon  the  next  cut,  and  lock- 
ing it  up  in  the  cupboard — "  if  you  do  not,  you  will  have 
nothing  to  eat,  Mr  Forster." 

"So  it  appears,  my  dear,"  replied  the  meek  Nicholas, 
taking  a  pinch  of  snuff;  "  but  I  really  don't " 

**  Why,  Mr  Forster,  if  you  were  not  one  of  the  great- 
est  " 

**  No,  no,  my  dear,"  interrupted  Nicholas,  from  extreme 
modesty,  "  I  am  not  one  of  the  greatest  opticians  of  the 
present  day ;  although,  when  I've  made  my  improve " 

**  Greatest  opticians  !  "  interrupted  the  lady.  "  One  of 
the  greatesty^o/j-,  I  meant !  " 

"That's  quite  another  thing,  my  dear;  but " 

"  No  buts,  Mr  Forster  ;  please  to  listen,  and  not  interrupt 
me  again  in  that  bearish  manner.  Why  do  you  repair  in 
the  way  you  do  ?  Who  ever  brings  you  a  watch  or  a 
glass  that  you  have  handled  a  second  time  ? " 

"  But  why  should  they,  my  dear,  when  I  have  put  them 
in  good  order  ?  " 

"  Put  them  in  order !  but  why  do  you  put  them  in 
order  ? " 

"Why  do  I  put  them  in  order,  my  dear?"  replied 
Forster,  with  astonishment. 

"  Yes  ;  why  don't  you  leave  a  screw  loose,  somewhere  ? 
then  they  must  come  again.  That's  the  proper  way  to  do 
business." 

"The  proper  way  to  do  my  business,  my  dear,  is  to 
see  that  all  the  screws  are  tight." 

"  And  starve  !  "  continued  the  lady. 

"  If  it  please  God,"  replied  the  honest  Nicholas 

But  this  matrimonial  duet  was  interrupted  by  the 
appearance  of  their  son,  whom  we  must  introduce  to  the 
reader,  as  he  will  play  a  conspicuous  part  in  our  narrative. 

Newton  Forster,  for  thus  had  he  been  christened  by  his 
father,  out  of  respect  for  the  great  Sir  Jsaac,  was  now 
about  seventeen  years  old — athletic  and  well-proportioned 
in  person,  handsome  in   features,   and  equally  gifted  in 


The  Merchant  Service  29 

mind.  There  was  a  frankness  and  sincerity  in  his  open 
brow,  an  honesty  in  his  smile,  which  immediately  won 
upon  the  beholder ;  and  his  countenance  was  but  an  index 
to  his  mind.  His  father  had  bestowed  all  his  own  leisure, 
and  some  expense,  which  he  could  ill  afford,  upon  his 
education,  trusting  one  day  that  he  would  rival  the  genius 
after  whom  he  had  been  christened ;  but  Newton  was  not 
of  a  disposition  to  sit  down  either  at  a  desk  or  a  work- 
bench. Whenever  he  could  escape  from  home  or  from 
school,  he  was  to  be  found  either  on  the  beach  or  at  the 
pier,  under  the  shelter  of  which  the  coasting  vessels  dis- 
charged or  received  their  cargoes ;  and  he  had  for  some 
years  declared  his  intention  to  follow  the  profession  of  a 
sailor.  To  this  his  father  had  reluctantly  consented,  with 
the  proviso  that  he  would  first  finish  his  education ;  and 
the  mutual  compact  had  been  strictly  adhered  to  by  each 
party. 

At  the  age  of  fifteen,  Newton  had  acquired  all  that 
could  be  imparted  to  him  by  the  pedagogue  of  the  vicinity, 
and  had  then,  until  something  better  should  turn  up, 
shipped  himself  on  board  of  a  coasting  vessel,  in  which, 
during  the  last  two  years,  he  had  made  several  trips, 
being  usually  absent  about  six  weeks,  and  remaining  in 
port  about  the  same  time,  until  another  cargo  could  be 
procured. 

Young  as  he  was,  the  superiority  of  his  education  had 
obtained  him  the  situation  of  mate  of  the  vessel ;  and  his 
pay  enabled  him  to  assist  his  father,  whose  business,  as 
Mrs  Forster  declared,  was  not  sufficient  to  "make  both 
ends  meet."  Upon  his  return,  his  love  of  knowledge  and 
active  habits  induced  him  to  glean  as  much  as  he  could  of 
his  father's  profession,  and  he  could  repair  most  articles 
that  were  sent  in.  Although  Newton  amused  himself 
with  the  peculiarities  and  eccentricity  of  his  father,  he 
still  had  a  high  respect  for  him,  as  he  knew  him  to  be 
a  worthy,  honest  man.  For  his  mother  he  certainly  had 
none :  he  was  indignant  at  her  treatment  of  his  father, 
and  could  find  no  redeeming  quality  to  make  amends  for 


30  Newton  Forster;  or, 

her  catalogue  of  imperfections.  Still  he  had  a  peculiar 
tact,  by  which  he  avoided  any  serious  altercation.  Never 
losing  his  own  temper,  yet  quietly  and  firmly  resisting 
all  control,  he  assumed  a  dominion  over  her,  from  which 
her  feelings  towards  him,  whatever  they  may  have  been 
in  his  early  years,  were  now  changed  into  those  of  positive 
hatred.  His  absence  this  morning  had  been  occasioned 
by  his  assistance  being  required  in  the  fitting  of  a  new 
main-stay  for  the  sloop  to  which  he  belonged.  "  Please 
God  what,  father  ? "  said  Newton,  as  he  came  in,  catching 
his  father's  last  words. 

"  Why,  your  mother  says  that  we  must  starve,  or  be 
dishonest." 

"  Then  we'll  starve,  father,  with  a  clear  conscience ; 
but  I  hope  that  thmgs  are  not  so  bad  yet,  for  I  am  devilish 
hungry,"  continued  Newton,  looking  at  the  dinner-table, 
which  offered  to  his  view  nothing  but  a  table-cloth,  with 
the  salt-cellar  and  the  snuff'-box.  "  Why,  mother,  is  it 
dead  low  water,  or  have  you  stowed  all  away  in  the 
locker  ? "  and  Newton  repaired  to  the  cupboard,  which 
was  locked. 

Now  Mrs  Forster  was  violent  with  others,  but  with 
Newton  she  was  always  sulky. 

**  There's  nothing  in  the  cupboard,"  growled  the  lady. 

**  Then  why  lock  up  nothing  ? "  rejoined  Newton,  who 
was  aware  that  veracity  was  not  among  Mrs  Forster's 
catalogue  of  virtues.  "  Come,  mother,  hand  me  the  key, 
and  ril  ferret  out  something,  I'll  answer  for  it." 

Mrs  Forster  replied  that  the  cupboard  was  her  own,  and 
she  was  mistress  of  the  house. 

"  Just  as  you  please,  mother.  But,  before  I  take  the 
trouble,  tell  me,  father,  is  there  anything  in  the  cupboard  ?" 

"Why,  yes,  Newton,  there's  some  mutton.  At  least,  if 
I  recollect  right,  I  did  not  eat  it  all — did  I,  my  dear  ?  " 

Mrs  Forster  did  not  condescend  an  answer.  Newton 
went  into  the  shop,  and  returned  with  a  chisel  and  hammer. 
Taking  a  chair  to  stand  upon,  he  very  coolly  began  to  force 
the  lock. 


The  Merchant  Service  31 

**  I  am  very  sorry,  mother,  but  I  must  have  something 
to  eat;  and  since  you  won't  give  me  the  key,  why "  ob- 
served Newton,  giving  the  handle  of  the  chisel  a  smart 
blow  with  the  hammer 

"  Here's  the  key,  sir,"  cried  Mrs  Forster,  with  indigna- 
tion, throwing  it  on  the  table,  and  bouncing  out  of  the  room. 

A  smile  was  exchanged  between  the  father  and  son,  as 
she  went  backwards,  screaming,  "  Betty — I  say,  Betty, 
you  idle  slut,  where  are  you  ? "  as  if  determined  to  vent 
her  spleen  upon  somebody, 

"  Have  you  dined,  father  ?  "  inquired  Newton,  who  had 
now  placed  the  contents  of  the  cupboard  upon  the  table. 

*'  Why,  I  really  don't  quite  recollect  ;  but  I  feel  very 
hungry,"  replied  the  optician,  putting  in  his  plate  to  re- 
ceive two  large  sHces  ;  and  father  and  son  sat  down  to  a 
hearty  meal,  proving  the  truth  of  the  wise  man's  observa- 
tion, that,  "  Better  is  a  dinner  of  herbs  where  love  is,  than 
the  stalled  ox  and  hatred  therewith." 


Chapter  V 

"  Whate'er  it  be, 
'Tis  wondrous  heavy.     Wrench  it  open  straight. 
If  the  sea's  stomach  be  o'ercharged  with  gold, 
It  is  a  good  constraint  of  fortune,  that 
It  belches  on  us." 

ShaKESPE/VRE. 

About  three  weeks  after  the  events  narrated  in  the  pre- 
ceding chapter,  Newton  Forster  sailed  in  his  vessel  with 
a  cargo  to  be  delivered  at  the  seaport  of  Waterford.  The 
master  of  her  was  immoderately  addicted  to  liquor;  and 
during  the  time  that  he  remained  in  port,  seldom  was  to 
be  found  in  a  state  of  perfect  sobriety,  even  on  a  Sunday. 
But,  to  do  him  justice,  when  his  vessel  was  declared  ready 
for  sea,  he  abstained  from  his  usual  indulgence,  that  he 
might  be  enabled  to  take  charge  of  the  property  committed 
to  his  care,  and  find  his  way  to  his  destined  port.     It  was 


32  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

a  point  on  which  his  interest  overcame,  for  a  time,  his 
darling  propensity  :  and  his  rigid  adherence  to  sobriety, 
when  afloat,  was  so  well  ascertained,  that  his  character  as 
a  trustworthy  seaman  was  not  injured  by  his  continual 
intemperance  when  in  harbour.  Latterly,  however,  since 
Newton  had  sailed  with  him,  he  had  not  acted  up  to  his 
important  resolution.  He  found  that  the  vessel  was  as  safe 
under  the  charge  of  Forster  as  under  his  own  ;  and  having 
taken  great  pains  to  instruct  him  in  seamanship,  and  make 
him  well  acquainted  with  the  dangers  of  the  coast,  he 
thought  that,  as  Newton  was  fully  equal  to  the  charge  of 
the  vessel,  he  might  as  well  indulge  himself  with  an 
occasional  glass  or  two,  to  while  away  the  tedium  of 
embarkation.  A  stone  pitcher  of  liquor  was  now  his 
constant  attendant  when  he  pulled  on  board  to  weigh  his 
anchor ;  which  said  pitcher,  for  fear  of  accidents,  he 
carried  down  into  the  cabin  himself.  As  soon  as  sail  was 
on  the  vessel,  and  her  course  shaped,  he  followed  his 
darling  companion  down  into  the  cabin,  and  until  the 
contents  were  exhausted  was  never  sufficiently  sober  to 
make  his  appearance  on  deck  ;  so  that  Newton  Forster 
was,  in  fact,  the  responsible  master  of  the  vessel. 

The  wind,  which  had  been  favourable  at  the  tim.e  of 
heaving  up  the  anchor,  changed,  and  blew  directly  in 
their  teeth,  before  they  were  well  out  of  sight  of  the  port 
of  Overton.  On  the  third  day  they  were  stretching  off 
the  land,  to  meet  the  first  of  the  tide,  under  a  light  breeze 
and  smooth  water,  when  Newton  perceived  various  objects 
floating  in  the  offing.  A  small  thing  is  a  good  prize  to 
a  coaster ;  even  an  empty  beaker  is  not  to  be  despised  ; 
and  Newton  kept  away  a  point  or  two,  that  he  might  close 
and  discover  what  the  objects  were.  He  soon  distinguished 
one  or  two  casks,  swimming  deeply,  broken  spars,  and 
a  variety  of  other  articles.  When  the  sloop  was  in  the 
midst  of  them,  Newton  hove-to,  tossed  out  the  little  skiff, 
and,  in  the  course  of  an  hour,  unknown  to  his  captain,  who 
was  in  bed  sleeping  off  the  effect  of  his  last  potations, 
brought  alongside,  and  contrived  to  parbuckle  in,  the  casks, 


The  Merchant  Service 


2>?> 


and  as  many  others  of  the  floating  articles  as  he  could 
conveniently  stow  upon  her  decks.  The  boat  was  again 
hoisted  in,  by  the  united  exertions  of  himself  and  his  crew, 
consisting  of  one  man  and  one  boy  j  and  the  sloop,  wearing 
round,  reached  in  for  the  land. 

It  was  evident  to  Newton  that  some  large  vessel  had 
lately  been  wrecked,  for  the  spars  were  fresh  in  the 
fracture,  and  clean — not  like  those  long  in  the  water, 
covered  with  sea-weed,  and  encircled  by  a  shoal  of  fish, 
who  finding  sustenance  from  the  animalculae  collected, 
follow  the  floating  pieces  of  wood  up  and  down,  as  their 
adopted  parent,  wherever  they  may  be  swept  by  the  in- 
constant winds  and  tides. 

Newton  examined  the  heels  of  the  spars,  but  they  were 
not  marked  with  the  name  of  the  vessel  to  which  they  had 
belonged.  The  two  casks  had  only  initials  branded  upon 
their  heads ;  but  nothing  could  be  found  which  would 
designate  the  owners  of  the  property.  A  large  trunk 
riveted  his  attention  5  but  he  would  not  open  it  until  the 
master  of  the  vessel  came  upon  deck.  Having  ascertained 
by  spiling  that  the  contents  of  the  casks  were  real  Jamaica, 
he  went  down  into  the  cabin  to  announce  what  he  knew 
would  be  most  grateful  intelligence. 

It  was  some  time  before  Newton  could  rouse  his 
stupefied  senior. 

*'  Spars — wrecked  !  " 

**  What  spars  ?  D — n  the  wreck  ! "  growled  old 
Thompson  (for  such  was  his  name),  as  he  turned  his 
back  in  no  very  ceremonious  manner,  and  recommenced 
his  snore. 

"There's  a  trunk  besides,  sir — a  large  trunk;  but  I  did 
not  open  it,  as  you  were  not  on  deck.  A  large  trunk, 
and  rather  heavy." 

"  Trunk  ! — well,  what  then  ?  Trunk  ! — oh,  d — n  the 
trunk  ! — let  me  go  to  sleep,"  muttered  the  master. 

"  There's  two  large  casks,  too,  sir ;  I've  spiled  them, 
and  they  prove  to  be  puncheons  of  rum,"  bawled  Newton, 
who  pertinaciously  continued. 


34  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"  Eh ;  what  ? — casks  !  what  casks  ?  " 

"  Two  puncheons  of  rum." 

"Rum! — did  you  say  rum?"  cried  old  Thompson, 
lifting  his  head  off  the  pillow,  and  staring  stupidly  at 
Newton  ;  "  where  ?  " 

"  On  deck.  Two  casks  :  we  picked  them  up  as  we 
were  standing  off  the  land." 

"  Picked  them  up  ? — are  they  on  board  ?  "  inquired 
the  master,  sitting  upright  in  his  bed  and  rubbing  his 
eyes. 

"  Yes,  they're  on  board.     Won't  you  come  on  deck  ? " 

"  To  be  sure  I  will.  Two  puncheons  of  rum,  you 
said  ?  " — and  old  Thompson  gained  his  feet,  and  reeled 
to  the  companion  ladder,  holding  on  by  a//  fours,  as  he 
climbed  up  without  his  shoes. 

When  the  master  of  the  sloop  had  satisfied  himself  as 
to  the  contents  of  the  casks,  which  he  did  by  taking  about 
half  a  tumbler  of  each,  Newton  proposed  that  the  trunk 
should  be  opened.  "  Yes,"  replied  Thompson,  who  had 
drawn  off  a  mug  of  the  spirits,  with  which  he  was  about 
to  descend  to  the  cabin,  "  open  if  you  like,  my  boy.  You 
have  made  a  bon  prize  to-day,  and  your  share  shall  be  the 
trunk  ;  so  you  may  keep  it,  and  the  things  that  are  stowed 
away  in  it,  for  your  trouble ;  but  don't  forget  to  secure 
the  casks  till  we  can  stow  them  away  below.  We  can't 
break  bulk  now  ;  but  the  sooner  they  are  down  the 
better ;  or  we  shall  have  some  quill-driving  rascal  on 
board,  with  his  jlotsam  and  jetsam,  for  the  Lord  knows 
ivho ; "  and  Thompson,  to  use  his  own  expression,  went 
down  again  "  to  lay  his  soul  in  soak." 

Reader,  do  you  know  the  meaning  of  Jlotsam  and 
jetsam  ?  None  but  a  lawyer  can,  for  it  is  old  law 
language.  Now,  there  is  a  slight  difference  between 
language  in  general  and  law  language.  The  first  was 
invented  to  enable  us  to  explain  our  own  meaning,  and 
comprehend  the  ideas  of  others  j  whereas  the  second  was 
invented  with  the  view  that  we  should  not  be  able  to 
understand  a  word  about  it.     In  former  times,  when  all 


The  Merchant  Service  ^^ 

law,  except  club  law,  was  in  its  infancy,  and  practitioners 
not  so  erudite,  or  so  thriving  as  at  present,  it  was  thought 
advisable  to  render  it  unintelligible  by  inventing  a  sort  of 
lingOy  compounded  of  bad  French,  grafted  upon  worse 
Latin,  forming  a  mongrel  and  incomprehensible  race  of 
words,  with  French  heads  and  Latin  tails,  which  answered 
the  purpose  intended — that  of  mystification. — Flotsatn 
and  jetsam  are  of  this  breed.  Flot,  derived  from  the 
French  jlottant^  floating  ;  and  jet  from  the  verb  jeter,  to 
thronv  up  \  both  used  in  seignoral  rights,  granted  by 
kings  to  favourites,  empowering  them  to  take  possession 
of  the  property  of  any  man  who  might  happen  to  be 
unfortunate,  which  was  in  those  times  tantamount  to  being 
guilty.  I  daresay,  if  one  could  see  the  deed  thus  em- 
powering them  to  confiscate  the  goods  and  chattels  of 
others  for  their  own  use,  according  to  the  wording  of 
the  learned  clerks  in  those  days,  it  would  run  thus : — 
"  Omnium  quod  flotsam  et  jetsam,  et  everything  else-um, 
quod  findetes  ;  "  in  plain  English,  "  Everything  floating 
or  thrown  up,  and  everything  else  you  may  pick  up." 
Now,  the  admiral  of  the  coast  had  this  piratical  privilege  : 
and  as,  in  former  days,  sextants  and  chronometers  were 
unknown,  seafaring  men  incurred  more  risk  than  they  do 
at  present,  and  the  wrecks  which  strewed  the  coast  were 
of  very  great  value.  I  had  a  proof  the  other  day  that 
this  right  is  still  exacted ;  that  is,  as  far  as  regards 
property  unclaimed.  I  had  arrived  at  Plymouth  from  the 
Western  Islands.  When  we  hove  up  our  anchor  at  St 
Michael's,  we  found  another  anchor  and  cable  hooked 
most  lovingly  to  our  own,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  first 
lieutenant,  who  proposed  buying  silk  handkerchiefs  for 
every  man  in  the  ship,  and  expending  the  residue  in 
paint.  But  we  had  not  been  at  anchor  in  Plymouth 
Sound  more  than  twenty-four  hours,  and  he  hardly  had 
time  to  communicate  with  the  gentlemen-dealers  in 
marine  stores,  when  I  received  a  notification  from  some 
lynx-eyed  agent  of  the  present  admiral  of  the  coast  (who 
is  a  lawyer,  I  believe),  requesting  the  immediate  delivery 


^6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

of  the  anchor  and  cable,  upon  the  plea  of  his  seignoral 
rights  of  fiotsam  and  jetsam.  Now,  the  idea  was  as  pre- 
posterous as  the  demand  was  impudent.  We  had  picked 
up  the  anchor  in  the  roadside  of  2i  foreign  power,  about 
fifteen  hundred  miles  distant  from  the  English  coast. 

We  are  all  lawyers,  now,  on  board  ship ;  so  I  gave  him 
one  of  my  legal  answers,  "  that,  in  the  first  place,  jiotsam 
meant  floating,  and  anchors  did  not  float ;  in  the  second 
place,  that  jetsam  meant  thrown  up,  and  anchors  never 
were  thrown  up ;  in  the  third  and  last  place,  Td  see  him 
d— d  first  V' 

My  arguments  were  unanswerable.  Counsel  for  the 
plaintiff'  (I  presume)  threw  up  his  brief,  for  we  heard 
no  more  of  "  Mr  Flotsam  and  Jetsam^'' 

But  to  proceed  : — The  man  and  boy,  who,  with  Newton, 
composed  the  whole  crew,  seemed  perfectly  to  acquiesce 
in  the  distribution  made  by  the  master  of  the  sloop  ;  taking 
it  for  granted  that  their  silence,  as  to  the  liquor  being  on 
board,  would  be  purchased  by  a  share  of  it,  as  long  as  it 
lasted. 

They  repaired  forward  with  a  pannikin  from  the  cask, 
with  which  they  regaled  themselves,  while  Newton  stood 
at  the  helm.  In  half  an  hour  Newton  called  the  boy  aft 
to  steer  the  vessel,  and  lifted  the  trunk  into  the  cabm 
below,  where  he  found  that  Thompson  had  finished  the 
major  part  of  the  contents  of  the  mug,  and  was  lying  in  a 
state  of  drunken  stupefaction. 

The  hasp  of  the  lock  was  soon  removed  by  a  claw- 
hammer, and  the  contents  of  the  trunk  exposed  to 
Newton's  view.  They  consisted  chiefly  of  female  wearing 
apparel  and  child's  linen;  but,  with  these  articles,  there 
was  a  large  packet  of  letters  addressed  to  Madame  Louise 
de  Montmorenci,  the  contents  of  which  were  a  mystery  to 
Newton,  who  did  not  understand  French.  There  were 
also  a  red  morocco  case,  containing  a  few  diamond  orna- 
ments, and  three  or  four  crosses  of  different  orders  of 
knighthood.  All  the  wearing-apparel  of  the  lady  was 
marked  with  the  initials  L.M.,  while  those  appertaining 
to  the  infant  were  marked  with  the  letters  J.F, 


The  Merchant  Service  37 

After  a  careful  examination,  Newton  spread  out  the 
clothes  to  dry,  over  the  cabin  lockers  and  table ;  and 
depositing  the  articles  of  value  in  a  safe  place,  he  returned 
on  deck.  Although  Thompson  had  presented  him  with 
the  trunk  and  its  contents,  he  felt  that  they  could  not  be 
considered  as  his  property,  and  he  determined  to  replace 
everything,  and,  upon  his  return,  consult  his  father  as  to 
the  proper  measures  which  should  be  taken  to  discover 
who  were  the  lawful  owners. 

The  sloop,  under  the  direction  of  Newton,  had  continued 
her  course  for  two  days  against  the  adverse,  yet  light 
breeze,  when  the  weather  changed.  The  wind  still  held 
to  the  same  quarter :  but  the  sky  became  loaded  with 
clouds,  and  the  sun  set  with  a  dull  red  glare,  which 
prognosticated  a  gale  from  the  N.W. ;  and  before  morning 
the  vessel  was  pitching  through  a  short  chopping  sea.  By 
noon  the  gale  was  at  its  height ;  and  Newton,  perceiving 
that  the  sloop  did  not  **  hold  her  own,"  went  down  to 
rouse  the  master,  to  inquire  what  steps  should  be  taken, 
as  he  considered  it  advisable  to  bear  up ;  and  the  only 
port  under  their  lee  for  many  miles  was  one  with  the 
navigation  of  which  he  was  himself  unacquainted. 

The  vessel  was  under  close-reefed  mainsail  and  storm 
foresail,  almost  buried  in  the  heavy  sea,  which  washed  over 
the  deck  from  forward  to  the  companion  hatch,  when  New- 
ton went  down  to  rouse  the  besotted  Thompson,  who, 
having  slept  through  the  night  without  having  had  recourse 
to  additional  stimulus,  was  more  easy  to  awaken  than  before. 

"  Eh !  what  ? — blows  hard — whew  ! — so  it  does.  How's 
the  wind  ? "  said  the  master,  throwing  his  feet  outside  the 
standing  bedplace,  as  he  sat  up. 

"  N.W.,  veering  to  N.N.W.  in  the  squalls.  We  have 
lost  good  ten  miles  since  yesterday  evening,  and  are  close 
to  Dudden  Sands,"  replied  Newton.  "  I  think  we  must 
bear  up,  for  the  gale  shows  no  signs  of  breaking." 

**  Well,  I'll  be  on  deck  in  a  moment,  my  boy,"  rejoined 
Thompson,  who  was  now  quite  himself  again,  and  was 
busy  putting  on  his  shoes,  the  only  articles  which  had  been 


38  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

removed  when  he  turned  in.  "  Go  you  up,  and  see  that 
they  keep  her  clean,  full  and  bye — and  those  casks  well 
secured. — Dudden  Sands — awkward  place,  too — but  I've 
not  been  forty  years  a-boxing  about  this  coast  for  nothing." 
In  a  minute  Thompson  made  his  appearance  on  deck,  and 
steadying  himself  by  the  weather  topmast  backstay,  fixed 
his  leaden  eyes  upon  the  land  on  the  quarter. — "  All  right, 
younker,  that's  the  head,  sure  enough ; "  then  turning  his 
face  to  the  wind,  which  lifted  up  Ijis  grey  curling  locks, 
and  bore  them  out  horizontally  from  his  fur  cap,  "  and  it's 
a  devil  pf  a  gale,  sure  enough. — It  may  last  a  month  of 
Sundays  for  all  I  know. — Up  with  the  helm,  Tom. — Ease 
off  the  main  sheet,  handsomely,  my  lad — not  too  much. 
Now,  take  in  the  slack,  afore  she  jibes ; "  and  the  master 
ducked  under  the  main  boom  and  took  his  station  on  the 
other  side  of  the  deck.  **  Steady  as  you  go  now. — Newton, 
take  the  helm. — D'ye  see  that  bluff?-— keep  her  right  for 
it.  Tom,  you  and  the  boy  rouse  the  cable  up — get  about 
ten  fathoms  on  deck,  and  bend  it. — You'll  find  a  bit  of 
seizing  and  a  marling-spike  in  the  locker  abaft."  The  sloop 
scuddled  before  the  gale,  and  in  less  than  two  hours  was 
close  to  the  headland  pointed  out  by  the  master.  **  Now, 
Newton,  we  must  hug  the  point  or  we  shall  not  fetch — 
clap  on  the  main  sheet  here,  all  of  us.  LufF,  you  may, 
handsomely.— That's  all  right ;  we  are  past  the  Sand-head 
and  shall  be  in  smooth  water  in  a  jiffy, — Steady,  so-o. — 
Now  for  a  drop  of  sivizzky^  cried  Thompson,  who  con- 
sidered that  he  had  kept  sober  quite  long  enough,  and 
proceeded  to  the  cask  of  rum  lashed  to  leeward.  As  he 
knelt  down  to  pull  out  the  spile,  the  sloop  which  had  been 
brought  to  the  wind,  was  struck  on  her  broadside  by  a 
heavy  sea,  which  careened  her  to  her  gunnel :  the  lashings 
of  the  weather  cask  gave  way,  and  it  flew  across  the  deck, 
jamming  the  unfortunate  Thompson,  who  knelt  against  the 
one  to  leeward,  and  then  bounding  overboard.  The  old 
man  gave  a  heavy  groan,  and  fell  upon  his  back ;  the  man 
and  boy  ran  to  his  assistance,  and  by  the  directions  of  New- 
ton, who  could  not  quit  the  helm,  carried  him  below,  and 


The  Merchant  Service  39 

placed  him  on  his  bed.  In  a  few  minutes  the  sloop  was 
safe  at  anchor,  in  smooth  water,  and  Newton  ran  down  into 
the  cabin.  Thompson's  head  had  been  crushed  against  the 
chime  of  the  cask  ;  for  an  hour  or  two  he  breathed  heavily  ; 
and  then — he  was  no  more  ! 


Chapter  VI 

"  The  Indian  weed,  unknown  to  ancient  times, 
Nature's  choice  gift,  whose  acrimonious  fume 
Extracts  superfluous  juices,  and  refines 
The  blood  distemper'd  from  its  noxious  salts ; 
Friend  to  the  spirits,  which  with  vapours  bland 
It  gently  mitigates — companion  fit 
Of  *  a  good  pot  of  porter,''  "  Philups. 

"  There  a  pot  of  good  double  beer,  neighbour. 
Drink "  Shakespeare. 

The  next  day  the  remains  of  old  Thompson  were  carried 
on  shore  in  the  long-boat,  and  buried  in  the  churchyard  of 
the  small  fishing  town  that  was  within  a  mile  of  the  port 
where  the  sloop  had  anchored.  Newton  shipped  another 
man,  and  when  the  gale  was  over,  continued  his  voyage ; 
which  was  accomplished  without  further  adventure. 

Finding  no  cargo  ready  for  him,  and  anxious  to  deliver 
up  the  vessel  to  the  owner,  who  resided  at  Overton,  he  re- 
turned in  ballast,  and  communicated  the  intelligence  of 
Thompson's  death  ;  which,  in  so  small  a  town,  was  long  the 
theme  of  conversation,  and  the  food  of  gossips. 

Newton  consulted  with  his  father  relative  to  the  disposal 
of  the  trunk  ;  but  Nicholas  could  assist  him  but  little  with 
his  advice.  After  many  pros  and  cons^  like  all  other  diffi- 
cult matters,  it  was  postponed. — "  Really,  Newton,  I  can't 
say.  The  property  certainly  is  not  yours,  but  still  we  are 
not  likely  to  find  out  the  lawful  owner.  Bring  the  trunk 
on  shore  *,  we'll  nail  it  up,  and  perhaps  we  may  hear  some- 
thing about  it  by-and-bye.  We'll  make  some  inquiries — 
by-and-bye — when  your  mother " 


40  Newton  Forster;  or, 

*'  I  think,"  interrupted  Newton,  "  it  would  not  be  advis- 
able to  acquaint  my  mother  with  the  circumstance;  but 
how  to  satisfy  her  curiosity  on  that  point,  I  must  leave 
to  you." 

**  To  me,  boy  !  no  ;  I  think  that  you  had  better  manage 
that,  for  you  know  you  are  only  occasionally  at  home." 

"  Well,  father,  be  it  so,"  replied  Newton,  laughing  : 
"  but  here  comes  Mr  Dragwell  and  Mr  Hilton,  to  consult 
with  us  what  ought  to  be  done  relative  to  the  effects  of  poor 
old  Thompson.  He  has  neither  kith  nor  kin,  to  the  ninety- 
ninth  degree,  that  we  can  find  out." 

Mr  Dragwell  was  the  curate  of  the  parish  ;  a  little  fat 
man  with  bow-legs,  who  always  sat  upon  the  edge  of  the 
chair,  leaning  against  the  back,  and  twiddling  his  thumbs 
before  him.  He  was  facetious  and  good-tempered,  but  was 
very  dilatory  in  everything.  His  greatest  peculiarity  was, 
that  although  he  had  a  hearty  laugh  for  every  joke,  he  did 
not  take  the  jokes  of  others  at  the  time  that  they  were  made. 
His  ideas  seemed  to  have  the  slow  and  silent  flow  ascribed 
to  the  stream  of  lava  (without  its  fire)  :  and  the  consequence 
was,  that  although  he  eventually  laughed  at  a  good  thing, 
it  was  never  at  the  same  time  with  other  people  ;  but  in 
about  a  quarter  or  half  a  minute  afterwards  (according  to 
the  difficulty  of  the  analysis),  when  the  cause  had  been 
dismissed  for  other  topics,  he  would  burst  out  in  a  hearty 
Ha,  ha,  ha  ! 

Mr  Hilton  was  the  owner  of  the  sloop  :  he  was  a  tall, 
corpulent  man,  who  for  many  years  had  charge  of  a  similar 
vessel,  until  by  "  doing  a  little  contraband,"  he  had 
pocketed  a  sufficient  sum  to  enable  him  to  purchase  one 
for  himself.  But  the  profits  being  more  than  sufficient  for 
his  wants,  he  had  for  some  time  remained  on  shore,  old 
Thompson  having  charge  of  the  vessel.  He  was  a  good- 
tempered,  jolly  fellow,  very  fond  of  his  pipe  and  his  pot, 
and  much  more  fond  of  his  sloop,  by  the  employment  of 
which  he  was  supplied  with  all  his  comforts.  He  passed 
most  of  the  day  sitting  at  the  door  of  his  house,  which 
looked  upon  the  anchorage,  exchanging  a  few  words  with 


The  Merchant  Service  41 

everyone  that  passed  by,  but  invariably  upon  one  and  the 
same  topic — his  sloop.  If  she  was  at  anchor — "  There 
she  is,"  he  would  say,  pointing  to  her  with  the  stem  of  his 
pipe.  If  she  was  away,  she  had  sailed  on  such  a  day  ; — 
he  expected  her  back  at  such  a  time.  It  was  a  fair  wind — 
it  was  a  foul  wind  for  his  sloop.  All  his  ideas  were  en- 
grossed by  this  one  darling  object,  and  it  was  no  easy  task 
to  divert  him  from  it. 

I  ought  to  have  mentioned  that  Mr  Dragwell,  the  curate, 
was  invariably  accompanied  by  Mr  Spinney,  the  clerk  of  the 
parish,  a  little  spare  man,  with  a  few  white  hairs  straggling 
on  each  side  of  a  bald  pate.  He  always  took  his  tune, 
whether  in  or  out  of  church,  from  his  superior,  ejecting  a 
small  treble  "  He,  he,  he  !  "  in  response  to  the  loud  Ha, 
ha,  ha  !  of  the  curate. 

"  Peace  be  unto  this  house  !  "  observed  the  curate 
as  he  crossed  the  threshold,  for  Mrs  Forster's  character 
was  notorious  ;  then  laughing  at  his  own  wit  with  a  Ha, 
ha,  ha  ! 

"  He,  he,  he  !  " 

"  Good  morning,  Mr  Forster,  how  is  your  good 
lady?" 

"  She's  safe  moored  at  last,"  interrupted  Mr  Hilton. 

**  Who  ?  "  demanded  the  curate,  with  surprise. 

**  Why  the  sloop,  to  be  sure." 

"  Oh !  I  thought  you  meant  the  lady — Ha,  ha,  ha  !  " 

*'He,  he,  he!" 
•    **  Won't    you    sit    down,  gentlemen  ?  "    said    Nicholas, 
showing  the  way  from  the  shop  into  the  parlour,  where 
they  found  Mrs  Forster,  who  had  just  come  in  from  the 
back  premises. 

"  Hope  you're  well,  Mr  Curate,"  sharply  observed  the 
lady,  who  could  not  be  persuaded,  even  from  respect  for 
the  cloth,  to  be  commonly  civil — "take  a  chair;  it's  all 
covered  with  dust ;  but  that  Betsy  is  such  an  idle  slut ! " 

"  Newton  handles  her  as  well  as  any  man  going," 
observed  Hilton. 

"  Newton ! "   screamed   the    lady,   turning  to  her  son. 


42  '  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

with  an  angry  inquiring  look — "  Newton  handles  Betsy  !  " 
continued  she,  turning  round  to  Hilton. 

**  Betsy  !  no  -,  the  sloop  I  meant,  ma'am." 

Newton  burst  out  into  a  laugh,  in  which  he  was  joined 
by  Hilton  and  his  father. 

**  Sad  business — sad  indeed  !  "  said  Hilton,  after  the 
merriment  had  subsided,  "  such  an  awful  death  !  " 

"Ha,  ha,  ha!"  roared  the  curate,  who  had  but  just 
then  taken  the  joke  about  Betsy. 

"  He,  he,  he  !  " 

"Nothing  to  laugh  at,  that  I  can  see,"  observed  Mrs 
Forster,  snappishly. 

**  Capital  joke,  ma'am,  I  assure  you ! "  rejoined  the 
curate.  "But,  Mr  Forster,  we  had  better  proceed  to 
business.  Spinney,  where  are  the  papers  ? "  The  clerk 
produced  an  inventory  of  the  effects  of  the  late  Mr 
Thompson,  and  laid  them  on  the  table. — "  Melancholy 
thing,  this,  ma'am,"  continued  the  curate,  "  very  melan- 
choly indeed  !     But  we  must  all  die." 

"  Yes,  thank  Heaven  ! "  muttered  Nicholas,  in  an  absent 
manner. 

"  Thank  Heaven,  Mr  Forster  !  "  cried  the  lady, — **  why, 
do  you  wish  to  die  ?  " 

"  I  was  not  exactly  thinking  about  myself,  my  dear," 
replied  Nicholas — "  I " 

"Depend  upon  it  she'll  last  a  long  while  yet,"  in- 
terrupted Mr  Hilton. 

"  Do  you  think  so  ?  "  replied  Nicholas,  mournfully. 

"  Oh  !  sure  of  it ;  I  stripped  her  the  other  day,  and 
examined  her  all  over ;  she's  as  sound  as  ever." 

Nicholas  started,  and  stared  Hilton  in  the  face;  while 
Newton,  who  perceived  their  separate  train  of  thought, 
tittered  with  delight. 

"  What  are  you  talking  of  ? "  at  last  observed  Nicholas. 

"  Of  the  sloop,  to  be  sure,"  replied  Hilton. 

"  I  rather  imagine  that  you  came  to  consult  about  Mr 
Thompson's  effects,"  observed  Mrs  Forster,  angrily — 
"  rather  a  solemn  subject,  instead  of " 


The  Merchant  Service  43 

*'  Ha,  ha,  ha ! "  ejaculated  the  curate,  who  had  just 
taken  the  equivoque  which  had  occasioned  Newton's  mirth. 

"  He,  he,  he  !  " 

This  last  merriment  of  Mr  Drag  well  appeared  to  the 
lady  to  be  such  a  pointed  insult  to  her,  that  she  bounded 
out  of  the  room,  exclaiming,  "  that  an  alehouse  would 
have  been  a  more  suitable  rendezvous, ^^ 

The  curate  twiddled  his  thumbs,  as  the  eyes  of  all  the 
party  followed  the  exit  of  Mrs  Forster ;  and  there  were 
a  few  moments  of  silence. 

"  Don't  you  find  her  a  pleasant  little  craft,  Forster  ? " 
said  Hilton,  addressing  Newton. 

Nicholas  Forster,  who  was  in  a  brown  study  about  his 
wife,  shook  his  head  without  lifting  up  his  eyes,  while 
Newton  nodded  assent. 

"Plenty  of  accommodation  in  her,"  continued  Hilton. — 
Another  negative  shake  from  Nicholas,  and  assentient 
nod  from  Newton. 

"If  I  thought  you  could  manage  her,  Forster,"  con- 
tinued Hilton — "tell  me,  what  do  you  think  yourself?" 

"  Oh,  quite  impossible  !  "  replied  Nicholas. 

"  Quite  impossible,  Mr  Forster !  Well,  now,  Fve  a 
better  opinion  of  Newton — I  think  he  can^ 

"Why,  yes,"  replied  Nicholas!  "certainly  better  than 
I  can  ;  but  still  she's— ^ — " 

"  She's  a  beauty,  Mr  Forster." 

**  Mrs  Forster  a  beauty  !  "  cried  Nicholas,  looking  at 
Hilton  with  astonishment. 

Newton  and  Hilton  burst  into  a  laugh.  "No,  no," 
said  the  latter,  "I  was  talking  about  the  sloop;  but  we 
had  better  proceed  to  business.  Suppose  we  have  pipes, 
Mr  Forster  ;  Mr  Dragwell,  what  do  you  say  ? " 

"  Ha,  ha,  ha!  "  roared  the  curate,  who  had  just  taken 
the  last  joke. 

"  He,  he,  he  I  " 

"  Why,  yes,"  continued  the  curate,  "  I  think  it  is  a 
most  excellent  proposition  ;  this  melancholy  affair  requires 
a  great  deal  of  consideration.     I  never  compose  so  well  as 


44  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

I  do  with  a  pipe  in  my  mouth  :  Mrs  Dragwell  says  that 
she  knows  all  my  best  sermons  by  the  smell  of  them  j 
d'ye  take  ?  —Ha,  ha,  ha  !  " 

"  He,  he,  he  !  " 

The  pipes,  with  the  addition  of  a  couple  of  pots  of 
porter,  were  soon  procured  from  the  neighbouring  ale- 
house ;  and  while  the  parties  are  filling  them,  and  pushing 
the  paper  of  tobacco  from  one  to  the  other,  I  shall  digress, 
notwithstanding  the  contrary  opinion  of  the  other  sex,  in 
praise  of  this  most  potent  and  delightful  weed. 

I  love  thee,  whether  thou  appearest  in  the  shape  of  a 
cigar,  or  diest  away  in  sweet  perfume  enshrined  in  the 
meerschaum  bowl ;  I  love  thee  with  more  than  woman's 
love  !  Thou  art  a  companion  to  me  in  solitude.  I  can 
talk  and  reason  with  thee,  avoiding  loud  and  obstreperous 
argument.  Thou  art  a  friend  to  me  when  in  trouble,  for 
thou  advisest  in  silence,  and  consolest  with  thy  calm 
influence  over  the  perturbed  spirit. 

I  know  not  how  thy  power  has  been  bestowed  upon 
thee ;  yet,  if  to  harmonise  the  feelings,  to  allow  the 
thoughts  to  spring  without  control,  rising  like  the  white 
vapour  from  the  cottage  hearth,  on  a  morning  that  is  sunny 
and  serene  ; — if  to  impart  that  sober  sadness  over  the 
spirit,  which  inclines  us  to  forgive  our  enemy,  that  calm 
philosophy  which  reconciles  us  to  the  ingratitude  and 
knavery  of  the  world,  that  heavenly  contemplation 
whispering  to  us,  as  we  look  around,  that  **  All  is  good ;  " 
— if  these  be  merits,  they  are  thine,  most  potent 
weed. 

What  a  quiet  world  this  would  be  if  everyone  would 
smoke  !  I  suspect  that  the  reason  why  the  fairer  sex 
decry  thee  is,  that  thou  art  the  cause  of  silence.  The 
ancients  knew  thee  not,  or  the  lips  of  Harpocrates  would 
have  been  closed  with  a  cigar,  and  his  forefinger  removed 
from  the  mouth  unto  the  temple. 

Half  an  hour  was  passed  without  any  observation  from 
our  party,  as  the  room  gradually  filled  with  the  volumes 
of  smoke,  which  wreathed  and  curled  in  graceful  lines,  as 


The  Merchant  Service  45 

they  ascended  in  obedience  to  the  unchangeable  laws  of 
nature. 

Hilton's  pipe  was  first  exhausted ;  he  shook  the  ashes 
on  the  table.  "  A  very  melancholy  business,  indeed !  " 
observed  he,  as  he  refilled.  The  rest  nodded  a  grand 
assent ;  the  pipe  was  relighted ;  and  all  was  silent  as 
before. 

Another  pipe  is  empty.  **  Looking  at  this  inventory," 
said  the  curate,  "  I  should  imagine  the  articles  to  be  of  no 
great  value.     One  fur  cap,  one   round  hat,  one   pair  of 

plush  breeches,  one ;  they  are  not  worth  a  couple  of 

pounds  altogether,"  continued  he,  stuffing  the  tobacco 
into  his  pipe,  which  he  rehghted,  and  no  more  was  said. 
Nicholas  was  the  third  in,  or  rather  out.  "  It  appears  to 
me,"  observed  he  ; — but  what  appeared  is  lost,  as  some  new 
idea  flitted  across  his  imagination,  and  he  commenced  his 
second  pipe  without  further  remark. 

Some  ten  minutes  after  this,  Mr  Spinney  handed  the 
pot  of  porter  to  the  curate,  and  subsequently  to  the  rest  of 
the  party.  They  all  took  largely,  then  pufied  away  as 
before. 

How  long  this  cabinet-council  might  have  continued,  it 
is  impossible  to  say;  but  "Silence,"  who  was  in  *' the 
chair,"  was  soon  afterwards  driven  from  his  post  of  honour 
by  the  most  implacable  of  his  enemies,  a  "  v/oman's  tongue." 

"  Well,  Mr  Forster  !  well,  gentlemen  !  do  you  mean  to 
poison  me  ?  Have  you  made  smell  and  dirt  enough  ?  How 
long  is  this  to  last,  I  should  like  to  know  ? "  cried  Mrs 
Forster,  entering  the  room.  *'  I  tell  you  what,  Mr  Forster, 
you  had  better  hang  up  a  sign  at  once,  and  keep  an  ale- 
house. Let  the  sign  be  a  Fool's  Head,  like  your  own.  I 
wonder  you  are  not  ashamed  of  yourself,  Mr  Curate ;  you 
that  ought  to  set  an  example  to  your  parishioners  ! " 

But  Mr  Dragwell  did  not  admire  such  remonstrance ;  so 
taking  his  pipe  out  of  his  mouth,  he  retorted — '*  If  your 
husband  does  put  up  a  sign,  I  recommend  him  to  stick  you 
up  as  the  '  Good  Woman ; '  that  would  be  without  your 
head— Ha,  ha,  ha  !  " 


46  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"He,  he,  he!" 

"  He,  he,  he  !  you  pitiful  'natomy,"  cried  Mrs  Forster, 
in  a  rage,  turning  to  the  clerk,  as  she  dared  not  revenge 
herself  upon  the  curate.  "Take  that  for  your  He,  he, 
he !  "  and  she  swung  round  the  empty  pewter  pot,  which 
she  snatched  from  the  table,  upon  the  bald  pericranium  of 
Mr  Spinney,  who  tumbled  off  his  chair,  and  rolled  upon 
the  sanded  floor. 

The  remainder  of  the  party  were  on  their  legs  in  an 
instant.  Newton  jerked  the  weapon  out  of  his  mother's 
hands,  and  threw  it  in  a  corner  of  the  room.  Nicholas 
was  aghast ;  he  surmised  that  his  turn  would  come  next ; 
and  so  it  proved — "  An't  you  ashamed  of  yourself,  Mr 
Forster,  to  see  me  treated  in  this  way — bringing  a  parcel 
of  drunken  men  into  the  house  to  insult  me  ?  Will  you 
order  them  out,  or  not,  sir  ?— Are  we  to  have  quiet  or 
not  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  love,"  replied  Nicholas,  confused,  "  yes,  my 
dear,  by-and-bye  as  soon  as  you're " 

Mrs  Forster  datted  towards  her  husband  with  the 
ferocity  of  a  mad  cat.  Hilton,  perceiving  the  danger  of 
his  host,  put  out  his  leg  so  as  to  trip  her  up  in  her  career, 
and  she  fell  flat  upon  her  face  on  the  floor.  The  violence 
of  the  fall  was  so  great,  that  she  was  stunned.  Newton 
raised  her  up ;  and,  with  the  assistance  of  his  father  (who 
approached  with  as  much  reluctance  as  a  horse  spurred 
towards  a  dead  tiger),  carried  her  upstairs,  and  laid  her  on 
her  bed. 

Poor  Mr  Spinney  was  now  raised  from  the  floor.  He 
still  remained  stupefied  with  the  blow,  although  gradually 
recovering.  Betsy  came  in  to  render  assistance.  "  O 
dear,  Mr  Curate,  do  you  think  that  he'll  die  ? " 

"No,  no  J  bring  some  water,  Betsy,  and  throw  it  in  his 
face." 

"  Better  take  him  home  as  he  is,"  replied  Betsy,  "  and 
say  that  he  is  killed;  when  Missis  hears  it,  she'll  be 
frightened  out  of  her  life.  It  will  keep  her  quiet  for 
some  time  at  least." 


The  Merchant  Service  47 

"  An  excellent  idea,  Betty  ;  we  will  punish  her  for  her 
conduct,"  replied  Hilton.  The  curate  was  delighted  at 
the  plan.  Mr  Spinney  was  placed  in  an  arm-chair,  covered 
over  with  a  table-cloth,  and  carried  away  to  the  parsonage 
by  two  men,  who  were  provided  by  Betsy  before  Nicholas 
or  Newton  had  quitted  the  room  where  Mrs  Forster  lay  in 
a  deplorable  condition ;  her  sharp  nose  broken,  and  twisted 
on  one  side ;  her  eyebrow  cut  open  to  the  bone,  and  a 
violent  contusion  on  her  forehead.  In  less  than  half-an- 
hour  it  was  spread  through  the  whole  town  that  Spinney 
had  been  murdered  by  Mrs  Forster,  and  that  his  brains 
were  bespattered  all  over  the  shop  windows  ! 

Chapter  VII 

"  That  she  is  mad,  'tis  true  :  'tis  true,  'tis  pity  ; 
And  pity  'tis,  'tis  true  :  a  foolish  figure ; 
But  farewell  it,  for  I  will  use  no  art. 
Mad  let  us  grant  her  then  ;  and  now  remains 
That  we  find  out  the  cause  of  this  effect, 
Or  rather  say,  the  cause  of  this  defect." 

Shakespeare. 

Mr  Dragwell  has  already  made  honourable  mention  of 
his  wife ;  it  will  therefore  only  be  necessary  to  add  that 
he  had  one  daughter,  a  handsome  lively  girl,  engaged  to  a 
Mr  Ramsden,  the  new  surgeon  of  the  place,  who  had 
stepped  into  the  shoes  and  the  good-will  of  one  who  had 
retired  from  forty  years'  practice  upon  the  good  people 
of  Overton.  Fanny  Dragwell  had  many  good  qualities, 
and  many  others  which  were  rather  doubtful.  One  of  the 
latter  had  procured  her  more  enemies  than  at  her  age  she 
had  any  right  to  expect.  It  was  what  the  French  term 
**  malice,"  which  bears  a  very  different  signification  from 
the  same  word  in  our  own  language.  She  delighted  in  all 
practical  jokes,  and  would  carry  them  to  an  excess,  at  the 
very  idea  of  which  others  would  be  startled  ;  but  it  must 
be  acknowledged  that  she  generally  selected  as  her  victims 
those   who   from   their    conduct    towards    others    richly 


48  Newton  Forster;  or, 

deserved  retaliation.  The  various  tricks  which  she  had 
played  upon  certain  cross  old  spinsters,  tattlers,  scandal- 
mongers, and  backbiters,  often  were  the  theme  of  con- 
versation and  of  mirth :  but  this  description  of  espieglerie 
contains  a  most  serious  objection ;  which  is,  that  to  carry 
on  a  successful  and  well-arranged  plot,  there  must  be  a 
total  disregard  of  truth.  Latterly,  Miss  Fanny  had  had  no 
one  to  practise  upon  except  Mr  Ramsden,  during  the 
period  of  his  courtship — a  period  at  which  women  never 
appear  to  so  much  advantage,  nor  men  appear  so  silly. 
But  even  for  this,  the  time  was  past,  as  latterly  she  had 
become  so  much  attached  to  him  that  distress  on  his  part 
was  a  source  of  annoyance  to  herself.  "When,  therefore, 
her  father  came  home,  narrating  the  circumstances  which 
had  occurred,  and  the  plan  which  had  been  meditated,  Fanny 
entered  gaily  into  the  scheme.  Mrs  Forster  had  long 
been  her  abhorrence  •,  and  an  insult  to  Mr  Ramsden,  who 
had  latterly  been  designated  by  Mrs  Forster  as  a  *'  Pill- 
gilding  Puppy,"  was  not  to  be  forgotten.  Her  active 
and  inventive  mind  immediately  conceived  a  plan  which 
would  enable  her  to  carry  the  joke  much  further  than  the 
original  projectors  had  intended.  Ramsden,  who  had  been 
summoned  to  attend  poor  Mr  Spinney,  was  her  sole  con- 
fidant, and  readily  entered  into  a  scheme  which  was 
pleasing  to  his  mistress,  and  promised  revenge  for  the 
treatment  he  had  received ;  and  which,  as  Miss  Dragwell 
declared,  would  be  nothing  but  retributive  justice  upon 
Mrs  Forster. 

Late  in  the  evening,  a  message  was  received  from  New- 
ton Forster,  requesting  that  Mr  Ramsden  would  attend  his 
mother.  He  had  just  visited  the  old  clerk,  who  was  now 
sensible,  and  had  nothing  to  complain  of  except  a  deep  cut 
on  his  temple  from  the  rim  of  the  pewter-pot.  After  re- 
ceiving a  few  parting  injunctions  from  Miss  Dragwell,  Mr 
Ramsden  quitted  the  parsonage. 

"  I  am  afraid  it's  a  very  bad  business,  Mr  Forster," 
replied  the  surgeon  to  Newton,  who  had  been  interrogat- 
ing him  relative  to  the  injury   received  by  Mr  Spinney. 


The  Merchant  Service  49 

"  Evident  concussion  of  the  brain  ;  he  may  live — or  he  may 
not ;  a  few  days  will  decide  the  point  :  he  is  a  poor  feeble 
old  man." 

Newton  sighed  as  he  reflected  upon  the  disaster  and 
disgrace  which  might  ensue  from  his  mother's  violence  of 
temper. 

**  Eh !  what,  Mr  Ramsden  ? "  said  Nicholas,  who  had 
been  for  some  time  contemplating  the  battered  visage  of 
his  spouse.     *'  Did  you  say  she'll  die  ? " 

"  No,  no,  Mr  Forster,  there's  no  fear  of  Mrs  Forster, 
she'll  do  well  enough.  She'll  be  up  and  about  again  in  a 
day  or  two,  as  lively  as  ever." 

"  God  forbid  !  "  muttered  the  absent  Nicholas. 

"  Mr  Forster,  see  if  I  don't  pay  you  off  for  that,  as  soon 
as  I'm  up  again,"  muttered  the  recumbent  lady,  as  well  as 
the  bandages  passed  under  her  chin  would  permit  her. 

"Pray  call  early  to-morrow,  Mr  Ramsden,  and  let  us 
know  how  Mr  Spinney  is  going  on,"  said  Newton,  extend- 
ing his  hand  as  the  surgeon  rose  to  depart.  Mr  Ramsden 
shook  it  warmly,  and  quitted  the  house  :  he  had  left  them 
about  half-an-hour  when  Betsy  made  her  appearance  with 
some  fomentations,  which  had  been  prepared  in  the  kitchen. 
Out  of  revenge  for  sundry  blows  daily  received,  and 
sundry  epithets  hourly  bestowed  upon  her  by  her  mistress, 
the  moment  she  entered  she  exclaimed,  in  a  half-crying 
tone,  **0  dear,  Mr  Newton  !  there's  such  shocking  news 
just  come  from  the  parsonage  ;  Mr  Spinney  is  just  dead, 
and  my  missis  will  be  hanged  !  " 

Mrs  Forster  said  not  a  word ;  she  quailed  under  dread 
of  the  report  being  correct.  Newton  and  his  father  looked 
at  each  other ;  their  mute  anguish  was  expressed  by 
covering  up  their  faces  with  their  hands. 

When  Hilton  and  the  curate  arranged  their  plans  for  the 
mortification  of  Mrs  Forster,  it  was  considered  advisable 
that  Newton  (who  was  not  so  easily  to  be  imposed  upon) 
should  be  removed  out  of  the  way.  Hilton  had  already 
stated  his  intention  to  give  him  charge  of  the  vessel ;  and 
he  now  proposed  sending  him  for  a  cargo   of  shingle, 

F  D 


50  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

which  was  lying  ready  for  her,  about  fifty  miles  down  the 
coast,  and  which  was  to  be  delivered  at  Waterford.  At  an 
early  hour,  on  the  ensuing  morning,  he  called  at  Forster's 
house.  Newton,  who  had  not  taken  off  his  clothes,  came 
out  to  meet  him. 

"  Well,  Newton,  how  is  your  mother  ? "  said  Hilton,  "  I 
hope  you  are  not  angry  with  me  :  I  certainly  was  the 
occasion  of  the  accident,  but  I  could  not  bear  to  see  your 
worthy  father  treated  in  that  manner.'* 

"  I  blush  to  acknowledge,  Mr  Hilton,  that  she  deserved 
it  all,"  replied  Newton ;  "  but  I  am  very  much  alarmed 
about  the  condition  of  Mr  Spinney.  Have  you  heard  this 
morning  ?  " 

."  No  ;  but  between  ourselves,  Newton,  doctors  always 
make  the  worst  of  their  cases.  I  never  heard  of  a  pewter- 
pot  killing  a  man  *,  he'll  do  well  enough,  never  fear.  I 
came  to  tell  you  that  I've  a  letter  last  night  from  Repton, 
who  says  that  the  shingle  must  be  delivered  before  the 
tenth  of  next  month,  or  the  contract  will  be  void.  He 
desires  that  I  will  send  the  sloop  ,directly,  or  he  must 
employ  another  craft.  Now,  I  think  you  had  better  start 
at  once  ;  there's  a  nice  fair  wind  for  you,  and  you'll  be 
down  afore  night." 

"  Why,  really,  Mr  Hilton,  I  do  not  exactly  like  to  leave 
home  just  now,"  replied  Newton,  thoughtfully. 

"Well,  as  you  please,  Mr  Forster,"  rejoined  Hilton, 
with  apparent  displeasure.  "  I  have  offered  you  the  com- 
mand of  the  vessel,  and  now  you  object  to  serve  my  in- 
terests on  the  very  first  occasion,  merely  because  there  are 
a  couple  of  broken  heads  !  " 

"  I  am  wrong,  most  certainly,"  replied  Newton ;  "  I 
beg  your  pardon — I  will  just  speak  a  word  or  two  to  my 
father,  and  be  on  board  in  less  than  half  an  hour." 

**I  will  meet  you  there,"  said  Hilton,  "  and  bring  your 
papers.  Be  as  quick  as  you  can,  or  you'll  lose  the  first 
of  the  tide." 

Newton  returned  to  the  house ;  his  father  made  no 
objection   to    his   departure}    and,    in    fulfilment   of  his 


The  Merchant  Service  51 

promise,  Newton  was  ready  to  start,  when  he  encountered 
Ramsden  at  the  door. 

"  Mr  Ramsden,"  said  Newton,  **  I  am  requested  by  the 
owner  of  my  vessel  to  sail  immediately  j  but  if  you  think 
that  the  life  of  Mr  Spinney  is  seriously  in  danger,  I  will 
throw  up  the  command  of  the  vessel,  rather  than  leave 
my  mother  under  such  an  accumulation  of  disasters.  I  beg 
as  a  favour  that  you  will  not  disguise  the  truth." 

*'  You  may  sail  this  minute,  if  you  please,  Mr  Forster ; 
I  am  happy  to  be  able  to  relieve  your  mind.  Mr  Spinney 
is  doing  very  well,  and  you'll  see  him  at  his  desk  on  the 
first  Sunday  of  your  return." 

"Then  I  am  off:  good-bye,  Mr  Ramsden;  many 
thanks." 

With  a  lightened  heart,  Newton  leapt  into  the  skiff 
which  was  to  carry  him  on  board  of  the  sloop  -,  and  in 
less  than  half  an  hour  was  standing  away  to  the  southward 
before  a  fine  wind,  to  execute  the  orders  which  he  had 
received. 

Ramsden  remained  a  few  minutes  at  the  door,  until  he 
saw  Newton  ascend  the  side  of  the  vessel  j  then  he 
entered,  and  was  received  by  Betsy. 

**  Well,  Betsy,  you  agreed  to  make  Mrs  Forster  believe 
that  Mr  Spinney  was  dead  ;  but  we  little  thought  that 
such  would  really  be  the  case." 

**  Lord  love  you,  sir  !   why,  you  don't  say  so  ?  " 

*'  I  do,  indeed,  Betsy ;  but  mind,  we  must  keep  it  a 
secret  for  the  present,  until  we  can  get  Mrs  Forster  out 
of  the  way.     How  is  she  this  morning  ?  " 

"  Oh,  very  stiff,  and  very  cross,  sir." 

"  I'll  go  up  to  her,"  replied  Ramsden ;  **  but  recollect, 
Betsy,  that  you  do  not  mention  it  to  a  soul ; "  and 
Ramsden  ascended  the  stairs. 

"  Well,  Mrs  Forster,  how  do  you  feel  this  morning  ? 
do  you  think  you  could  get  up  ? " 

"  Get  up,  Mr  Ramsden  !  not  to  save  my  soul — I  can't 
even  turn  on  my  side." 

**  Very  sorry  to  hear  it,  indeed,"  replied  the  surgeon ; 


52  Newton  Forster;  or, 

**  I  was  in  hopes  that  you  might  have  been  able  to  bear 
a  journey." 

"  Bear  a  journey,  Mr  Ramsden  !  why  bear  a  journey  ?  " 

"  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  Mr  Spinney's  gone — 
poor  old  man  !  There  must  be  a  coroner's  inquest.  Now, 
it  would  be  as  well  if  you  were  not  to  be  found,  for  the 
verdict  will  be  *  Wilful  Murder.' " 

**.  O  dear  !  O  dear  !  "  exclaimed  Mrs  Forster,  jumping 
out  of  her  bed  with  fright,  and  wringing  her  hands  : 
"  What  can  I  do  ? — what  can  I  do  ? " 

"  At  present  it  is  a  secret,  Mrs  Forster,  but  it  cannot 
be  so  long.  Miss  Dragwell,  who  feels  for  you  very 
much,  begged  me  not  to  say  a  word  about  it.  She  will 
call  and  consult  with  you,  if  you  would  like  to  see  her. 
Sad  thing  indeed,  Mrs  Forster,  to  be  placed  in  such  a 
situation  by  a  foolish  husband." 

"  You  may  well  say  that,  Mr  Ramsden,"  replied  the 
lady,  with  asperity  ;  "  he  is  the  greatest  foo/  that  ever  God 
made!  Everyone  knows  what  a  sweet  temper  I  was 
before  I  married;  but  flesh  and  blood  cannot  bear  what 
I  am  subjected  to." 

"  Would  you  like  to  see  Miss  Dragwell  ?  " 

**  Yes,  very  much ;  I  always  thought  her  a  very  nice 
girl  J — a  little  wild — a  little  forward  indeed,  and  apt  to 
be  impertinent ;  but  still,  rather  a  nice  girl." 

"Well,  then,  I  will  tell  her  to  call,  and  the  sooner  the 
better,  for  when  it  is  known,  the  whole  town  will  be  in 
an  uproar.  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  they  attacked  the 
house — the  people  will  be  so  indignant." 

**  I  don't  wonder  at  it,"  replied  Mrs  Forster  ;  "  nothing 
can  excuse  such  provocation  as  I  receive  from  my  husband, 
stupid  wretch  !  " 

"  Good  morning,  Mrs  Forster  j  do  you  think,  then, 
that  you  could  bear  moving  ?  " 

"  O  yes  !  O  yes  !     But  where  am  I  to  go  ?  " 

"That  I  really  cannot  form  an  idea  of — you  had 
better  consult  with  Miss  Dragwell.  Depend  upon  it, 
Mrs  Forster,  that  I  will  be  most  happy  to  render  you  all 
my  assistance  in  this  unfortunate  dilemma." 


The  Merchant  Service  §^ 

"  You're  very  good,"  snarled  Mrs  Forster:  and  Ramsden 
quitted  the  room. 

I  have  one  or  two  acquaintances,  to  whom,  if  I  wish  a 
report  to  be  circulated,  I  immediately  impart  the  substance 
as  a  most  profound  secret ;  and  I  find  that  by  these  means 
it  obtains  a  much  more  extensive  circulation  than  if  I  sent 
it  to  the  newspapers. 

Ramsden  was  aware  of  Betsy's  cackling  propensities  ; 
and  long  before  he  quitted  Mrs  Forster,  it  was  generally 
believed  throughout  the  good  town  of  Overton  that  Mr 
Spinney,  although  he  had  not  been  killed  outright,  as 
reported  in  the  first  instance,  had  subsequently  died  of  the 
injuries  received  from  this  modern  Xantippe. 

Mrs  Forster  had  half  an  hour  to  reflect  upon  her 
supposed  awkward  situation  j  and  to  drive  away  thought, 
had  sent  for  Nicholas,  whom  she  loaded  with  the  bitterest 
invectives,  when  Miss  Dragwell  was  announced. 

"  See,  sir,"  continued  Mrs  Forster,  "  the  condition  to 
which  you  have  reduced  a  fond  and  faithful  wife — one  that 
has  so  studied  your  interests  ;  one " 

"  Yes,  indeed,"  added  Miss  Dragwell,  who  heard  the 
attack  as  she  ascended  the  stairs,  and  took  up  the  cause  of 
Mrs  Forster  to  obtain  her  confidence — "  yes,  indeed,  Mr 
Forster,  see  the  consequences  of  your  folly,  your  smoking, 
and  your  drinking.  Pray  leave  the  room,  sir  -,  I  wonder 
how  Mrs  Forster  can  bear  the  sight  of  you  !  " 

Nicholas  stared,  and  was  about  to  throw  in  a  detached 
word  or  two,  by  way  of  vindication,  when  a  furious 
"  Begone  ! "  from  his  wife  occasioned  a  precipitate 
retreat, 

**  We  have  all  been  consulting  about  this  sad  business, 
my  dear  Mrs  Forster,"  commenced  Miss  Dragwell;  ''and 
after  much  consideration  have  hit  upon  the  only  plan  by 
which  you  may  escape  the  penalty  of  the  law.  Yes,  my 
dear  ma'am,"  continued  Miss  Dragwell,  in  the  most  bland 
and  affectionate  voice,  "  it  is  unwise  to  conceal  the  truth 
from  you  ;  the  depositions  of  my  father  and  Mr  Hilton, 
when  they  are  called  upon,   will  be  such   that   'Wilful 


54  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Murder'  must  be  returned,  and  you — (the  young  lady 
faltered,  and  put  up  her  handkerchief) — you  must  inevitably 
be  hanged  ! " 

"  Hanged  !  "  screamed  Mrs  Forster. 

"  Yes,  hanged — *  hanged  by  the  neck  until  you  are 
dead  !  and  the  Lord  have  mercy  upon  your  soul !  '  that 
will  be  your  sentence,"  replied  the  young  lady,  sobbing  j 
— "  such  an  awful,  such  a  disgraceful  death  for  a  woman 
too !  " 

*'  O  Lord,  O  Lord  ! "  cried  Mrs  Forster,  who  was 
now  really  frightened.     "  What  will  become  of  me  ?  " 

"  You  will  go  to  another  and  a  better  world,  as  my  papa 
says  in  his  sermons  ;  I  believe  that  the  pain  is  not  very 
great — but  the  disgrace " 

Mrs  Forster  burst  into  tears.  "  Save  me !  save  me. 
Miss  Dragwell ! — Oh  !  Oh  !  that  stupid  Nicholas,  Oh  ! 
Oh!" 

"  My  dear  Mrs  Forster,  we  have  all  agreed  at  the 
parsonage  that  there  is  but  one  method." 

"  Name  it,  my  dear  Miss  Dragwell,  name  it ! "  cried 
Mrs  Forster,  imploringly. 

"  You  must  pretend  to  be  mad,  and  then  there  will  be 
a  verdict  of  insanity  ;  but  you  must  carry  it  through 
everything,  or  it  will  be  thought  you  are  shamming.  Mr 
Ramsden  is  acquainted  with  Dr  B — ,  who  has  charge  of 

the  asylum  at  D .     It  is  only  nine  miles  off:  he  will 

take  you  there,  and  when  the  coroner's  inquest  is  over  you 
can  return.  It  will  be  supposed  then  to  have  been  only 
temporary  derangement.     Do  you  like  the  proposal  ? " 

"  "Why,  I  have  been  mad  for  a  long  time,"  replied  Mrs 
Forster ;  "  the  conduct  of  my  husband  and  my  son  has 
been  too  much  for  my  nerves  ;  but  I  don't  like  the  idea 
of  actually  going  to  a  madhouse.     Could  not " 

**  O  dear,  marm  !  "  cried  Betsy,  running  into  the  room, 
"  there's  a  whole  posse  of  people  about  the  house  j  they 
want  to  take  you  to  the  town  jail,  for  murdering  Mr 
Spinney.  What  shall  I  say  to  them  ?  I'm  feared  they'll 
break  in." 


The  Merchant  Service  ^^ 

**  Go  and  tell  them  that  Mrs  Forster  is  too  ill  to  be 
taken  out  of  bed,  and  that  she  is  out  of  her  senses — d'ye 
hear,  Betsy,  tell  them  all  she  is  stark  staring  mad ! " 

"  Yes,  I  will,  marm,"  replied  Betsy,  wiping  her  eyes  as 
she  left  the  room. 

Miss  Dragwell  walked  to  the  window.  Although  the 
report  spread  by  Betsy  had  collected  a  crowd  opposite  the 
house,  still  there  was  no  attempt  at  violence. 

"  I'm  afraid  that  it's  too  late,"  said  the  young  lady, 
turning  from  the  window.  **  What  a  crowd !  and  how 
angry  they  seem  to  be  !  you  must  be  hanged  now  !  " 

**0  no!  I'll  be  mad — I'll  be  anything,  my  dear  Miss 
Dragwell." 

*'"Well,  then,  we  must  be  quick — don't  put  your  gown 
on — petticoats  are  better — I'll  dress  you  up."  Miss  Drag- 
well  rummaged  the  drawers,  and  collecting  a  variety  of 
feathers  and  coloured  ribbons,  pinned  them  over  the  band- 
ages which  encircled  Mrs  Forster's  head ;  then  pulling  out 
a  long-tailed  black  coat  of  her  husband's  which  had  been 
condemned,  forced  her  arms  through  it,  and  buttoned  it  in 
front.  "  That  will  do  for  the  present,"  cried  Miss  Drag- 
well  ;  "  now  here's  the  cat,  take  it  in  your  arms,  go  to  the 
window,  and  nurse  it  like  a  baby.  I'll  throw  it  open — you 
come  forward  and  make  them  a  curtsey ;  that  will  spread 
the  report  through  the  town  that  you  are  mad,  and  the  rest 
will  then  be  easy." 

**  Oh !  I  can't — I  can't  go  to  the  window,  I  can't, 
indeed." 

"  I'll  open  the  window  and  speak  to  the  people,"  said 
Miss  Dragwell ;  and  she  threw  up  the  sash,  informing  the 
gaping  multitude  that  Mrs  Forster  was  quite  out  of  her 
senses,  but  perfectly  harmless. 

"Perfectly  harmless,  after  killing  a  man  !  "  observed  one 
of  the  party  below. 

"  They  won't  believe  me,  Mrs  Forster  ;  come,  you  must, 
or  you  will  certainly  be  hanged^ 

Urged  by  her  fears,  Mrs  Forster  approached  the  window, 
and  showed  herself  to  the  astonished  crowd.     "  Curtsey  to 


^6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

them,"  said  Miss  Dragwell,  holding  her  handkerchief  before 
her  mouth. 

Mrs  Forster  curtsied. 

"  Smile  upon  them,"  continued  the  malicious  young  lady. 

Mrs  Forster  grinned  horribly. 

"  Now  dance  your  cat." 

Mrs  Forster  obeyed  the  injunction. 

"  Now  give  a  loud  shriek,  and  toss  the  cat  out  of  window." 

Mrs  Forster  uttered  a  hideous  yell,  and  threw  the  animal 
at  the  heads  of  the  spectators,  who  retreated  with  alarm  in 
every  direction. 

"  Now  burst  into  a  fit  of  laughter,  curtsey  to  them,  and 
wave  your  hand,  and  that  will  be  sufficient." 

Mrs  Forster  obeyed  the  last  order,  and  Miss  Dragwell 
shut  the  window.  In  a  few  minutes  the  report  spread  that 
Mrs  Forster  had  gone  out  of  her  senses  ;  and  the  murder 
of  Mr  Spinney — a  topic  which  was  nearly  exhausted — was 
dismissed  for  the  time  to  dwell  and  comment  upon  the 
second  catastrophe. 


Chapter  VIII 

"  Mad  as  the  sea  and  wind,  when  both  contend  which  is  the  mightier." 

Shakespeare. 

**  So  far  we  have  succeeded,  my  dear  Mrs  Forster,"  said 
Miss  Dragwell ;  "I  will  now  return  home,  and  come  back 
as  soon  as  I  can  with  the  post-chaise.  Mr  Ramsden's 
servant  shall  come  with  me  to  conduct  you  to  the  asylum, 
and  I  trust  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour  to  see  you  clear  of  these 
foolish  people  of  Overton,  who  think  that  you  are  the  party 
in  fault :  you  had  better  remain  in  your  room,  and  not 
appear  again  at  the  window  -,  the  crowd  will  disperse  when 
they  are  tired  of  watching :  good-bye,  my  dear  Mrs 
Forster,  good-bye." 

Mrs  Forster  was  in  too  sulky  a  humour  to  vouchsafe  an 
answer  j  and  Miss  Dragwell  quitted  the  house.     Betsy  had 


The  Merchant  Service  ^y 

taken  advantage  of  the  turmoil  and  the  supposed  lunacy  of 
her  mistress  to  gossip  in  the  neighbourhood.  Nicholas 
Forster  was  in  the  shop,  but  took  no  notice  of  Miss  Drag- 
well  as  she  passed  through.  He  appeared  to  have  forgotten 
all  that  had  occurred,  and  was  very  busy  filing  at  his  bench. 
There  we  must  leave  him,  and  follow  the  motions  of  the 
mischief-loving  Miss  Dragwell. 

Upon  her  return,  the  party  collected  at  the  parsonage 
considered  that  they  had  proceeded  far  enough  ;  but  Miss 
Dragwell  thought  otherwise  ;  she  had  made  up  her  mind 
that  Mrs  Forster  should  pass  a  day  or  two  in  the  Lunatic 
Asylum ;  and  she  felt  assured  that  Mr  Ramsden,  through 
whose  assistance  her  intention  must  be  accomplished,  would 
not  venture  to  dispute  her  wishes. 

Her  father,  with  a  loud  Ha,  ha,  ha  !  proposed  that  Mr 
Spinney  should  appear  as  a  ghost  by  the  bedside  of  Mrs 
Forster,  wrapped  up  in  a  sheet,  with  a  He,  he,  he !  and 
that  thus  the  diversion  should  end ;  but  this  project  was 
overruled  by  Mr  Spinney,  who  protested  that  nothing 
should  induce  him  again  to  trust  himself,  with  a  He,  he, 
he  !  in  the  presence  of  Mrs  Forster. 

Ramsden,  although  well  acquainted  with  Dr  Beddington, 
who  had  charge  of  the  asylum,  was  not  sure  that  he  would 
be  pleased  with  their  freak,  and  earnestly  dissuaded  his 
intended  from  proceeding  any  further. 

"  It  is  useless  to  argue,  my  dear  George,  I  am  Quixote 
enough  to  revenge  the  injuries  of  those  who  have  been 
forced  to  submit  to  her  temper ;  and  moreover,  I  hope  to 
effect  a  cure.  Desperate  diseases,  you  must  be  aware  as 
a  medical  man,  require  desperate  remedies.  I  consider 
that  a  termagant  and  a  lunatic  are  during  their  paroxysms 
on  a  par,  as  rational  behaviour  in  either  party  may  be 
considered  as  a  lucid  interval.  Let  her,  if  it  be  only  for 
one  hour,  witness  herself  reflected  in  the  various  distorted 
mirrors  of  perverted  mind  ;  and  if  she  has  any  conscience 
whatever,  good  will  spring  from  evil.  I  joined  this  plot 
from  a  love  of  mischief;  but  I  carry  it  on  from  a  feeling 
that  favourable  results  will  be  produced." 


58  Newton  Forster;  or, 

*'  But,  my  dear  Fanny- 


I  will  have  it  so,  Rams  den,  so  don't  attempt  to 
dissuade  me;  we  are  not  married  yet,  and  I  must  not 
be  thwarted  in  my  short  supremacy.  Surely  you  ought 
not  to  be  displeased  at  my  desire  to  *  tame  a  shrew.'  I 
give  a  fair  promise  not  to  fall  into  an  error  which  I  so 
ardently  detest :  now,  send  for  the  chaise,  write  a  letter 
to  Dr  Beddington,  and  leave  me  to  arrange  with  Mrs 
Forster." 

Ramsden,  like  many  others  when  teased  by  a  pretty 
woman,  consented  against  his  will  ;  he  wrote  a  letter  to 
Dr  Beddington,  explaining  circumstances,  and  requesting 
his  pardon  for  the  liberty  which  he  had  been  persuaded 
to  take. 

Miss  Dragwell,  as  soon  as  the  letter  was  sealed,  put  on 
her  bonnet,  and  taking  Mr  Ramsden's  servant  with  her, 
stepped  into  the  chaise,  and  drove  to  the  house  of  Mr 
Nicholas  Forster.  She  found  Mrs  Forster  squatted  on 
the  bed  in  her  ludicrous  attire,  awaiting  her  return  with 
impatience. 

"  Oh !  Mrs  Forster,  I  have  had  such  trouble,  such 
difficulty ;  but  Mr  Ramsden  has  been  persuaded  at  last. 
There  is  the  letter  to  Dr  Beddington,  and  Mr  Ramsden's 
servant  is  in  the  chaise  at  the  door :  the  sooner  you  are 
off  the  better  ;  the  people  are  so  outrageous,  and  call  you 
such  shocking  names." 

"  Do  they  ?  "  replied  Mrs  Forster,  whose  wrath  kindled 
at  the  information. 

"  Yes,  indeed ;  and  that  wretch  Betsy  declares  that 
she'll  put  the  rope  over  your  neck  with  her  own  hands." 

"Does  she?"  cried  Mrs  Forster,  her  eyes  twinkling 
with  rage. 

"  Yes  ;  and  your  husband,  your  foolish  husband,  says 
that  he'll  be  able  to  make  his  improvement  in  the  duplex, 
now  that  you'll  be  hanged." 

**  He  does,  does  he  ? "  replied  Mrs  Forster,  catching 
her  breath,  and  grinding  her  teeth  as  she  jumped  off  the 
bed. 


The  Merchant  Service  59 

"  Now,  my  dear  Mrs  Forster,  it's  no  use  minding  what 
they  say ;  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  escape  as  soon  as 
possible ;  the  magistrate's  warrant  may  arrive  this  minute, 
and  then  it  will  be  too  late ;  so  come  down  at  once  : — how 
lucky  that  you  have  escaped !  it  must  be  a  dreadful  thing 
to  be  hanged  !  " 

This  last  remark,  always  brought  forward  by  Miss 
Dragwell  when  she  had  a  point  to  carry,  induced  Mrs 
Forster  to  hasten  downstairs  to  the  post-chaise,  which 
she  found  already  occupied  by  Mr  Ramsden's  servant. 
As  soon  as  she  entered,  it  was  driven  off  with  speed  in 
the  direction  already  communicated  to  the  post-boy. 

We  shall  leave  the  town  of  Overton  to  recover  its 
quiet, — for  such  a  bustle  had  not  occurred  for  many 
years, — and  Miss  Dragwell  to  exult  in  the  success  of  her 
plot,  while  we  follow  Mrs  Forster  to  her  new 
quarters. 

The  chaise  rattled  on, — Mr  Ramsden's  servant  crouching 
in  a  corner,  as  far  as  possible  from  Mrs  Forster,  evidently 
about  as  well  pleased  with  his  company  as  one  would  be 
in  a  pitfall  with  a  tiger.  At  last  it  stopped  at  the  door 
of  the  lunatic  asylum,  and  the  post-boy  dismounting  from 
his  reeking  horses,  pulled  violently  at  a  large  bell,  which 
answered  with  a  most  lugubrious  tolling,  and  struck  awe 
into  the  breast  of  Mrs  Forster. 

When  the  door  was  opened,  Mr  Ramsden's  servant 
alighted,  and  went  in  to  deliver  his  letter  to  the  doctor. 
The  doctor  was  not  at  home  ;  he  had  obtained  his  furlough 
of  three  weeks,  and  was  very  busy  with  his  fishing-rod 
some  thirty  miles  distant ;  but  the  keepers  were  in  attend- 
ance, and,  as  Mr  Ramsden's  servant  stated  the  insanity  of 
Mrs  Forster,  and  that  she  had  been  sent  there  by  his 
master,  they  raised  no  objections  to  her  reception.  In  a 
few  minutes  the  servant  reappeared  with  two  keepers, 
who  handed  Mrs  Forster  out  of  the  chaise,  and  conducted 
her  to  a  receiving-room,  where  Mrs  Forster  waited  some 
minutes  in  expectation  of  the  appearance  of  Dr  Beddington. 
In  the  meantime,  Mr  Ramsden's  servant,  having  no  further 


6o  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

communication  to  make,  left  the  letter  for  Dr  Beddington, 
and  returned  in  the  chaise  to  Overton. 

After  a  quarter  of  an  hour  had  elapsed,  Mrs  Forster 
inquired  of  one  of  the  keepers  who  had,  much  to  her 
annoyance,  taken  a  chair  close  to  her,  whether  the  doctor 
intended  to  come. 

"  He'll  come  by-and-bye,  good  woman.  How  do  you 
feel  yourself  now  ?  " 

**  Very  cold — very  cold,  indeed,"  replied  Mrs  Forster, 
shivering. 

"  That's  what  the  poor  brutes  always  complain  of — 
aren't  it,  Jim  ? "  observed  another  keeper,  who  had  just 
entered.     "  Where  be  we  to  stow  her  ?  " 

"  I  sent  Tom  to  get  No.  14  ready." 

"  Why,  you  don't  think  that  I'm  mad ! "  cried  Mrs 
Forster,  with  terror. 

"  So,  softly — so — so,"  said  the  keeper  next  to  her, 
patting  her,  as  he  would  soothe  a  fractious  child. 

The  violence  of  Mrs  Forster,  when  she  discovered  that 
she  was  considered  as  a  lunatic,  fully  corroborated  to  the 
keepers  the  assertion  of  Mr  Ramsden's  servant ;  but  we 
must  not  dwell  upon  the  scene  which  followed.  After 
an  ineffectual  struggle,  Mrs  Forster  found  herself  locked 
up  in  No.  14,  and  left  to  her  own  reflections.  The 
previous  scenes  which  had  occurred,  added  to  the  treat- 
ment which  she  received  in  the  asylum,  caused  such 
excitement,  that,  before  the  next  morning,  she  was 
seized  with  a  brain  fever,  and  raved  as  loudly  in  her 
delirium  as  any  of  the  other  unfortunate  inmates  there 
incarcerated. 

Chapter  IX 

"  Who  by  repentance  is  not  satisfied, 
Is  not  of  heaven  or  earth  ;  for  these  are  pleaded  : 
By  penitence  the  Eternal's  wrath's  appeased." 

Shakespeare, 

Mr  Ramsden's  servant  returned  to  Overton,  stating  that 
the  doctor  was  not  at  home,  but    that  he  had  left  Mrs 


The  Merchant  Service  61 

Forster  and  the  letter.  The  time  that  Dr  Beddington 
was  to  be  absent  had  not  been  mentioned  by  the  keepers ; 
and  Mr  Ramsden,  imagining  that  the  doctor  had  probably 
gone  out  for  the  evening,  made  no  further  inquiries,  as 
he  intended,  in  a  day  or  two,  to  call  and  bring  Mrs 
Forster  back  to  her  own  house.  On  the  third  day  of 
her  removal  he  set  off  for  the  asylum;  and  when  he 
discovered  the  situation  of  Mrs  Forster,  he  bitterly 
repented  that  he  had  been  persuaded  to  a  step  which 
threatened  such  serious  results.  To  remove  her  was 
impossible ;  to  assert  to  the  keepers  that  she  was  in 
sound  mind,  would  have  been  to  commit  himself;  he 
therefore  withdrew  his  letter  to  Dr  Beddington,  who  was 
not  expected  home  for  a  fortnight,  and  with  a  heavy 
heart  returned  to  Overton.  Miss  Dragwell  was  as  much 
shocked  when  she  was  informed  of  the  unfortunate  issue 
of  her  plot ;  and  made  a  resolution,  to  which  she  adhered, 
never  to  be  guilty  of  another  practical  joke. 

In  the  meantime  Newton  Forster  had  made  every 
despatch,  and  returned  to  Overton  with  the  cargo  of 
shingle  a  few  days  after  his  mother's  incarceration.  He 
had  not  been  ten  minutes  on  shore  before  he  was  made 
acquainted  with  the  melancholy  history  of  her  (supposed) 
madness  and  removal  to  the  asylum.  He  hastened  home, 
where  he  found  his  father  in  a  profound  melancholy  ;  he 
received  Newton  with  a  flood  of  tears,  and  appeared  to 
be  quite  lost  in  his  state  of  widowhood.  The  next  morn- 
ing Newton  set  off  for  the  asylum,  to  ascertain  the  con- 
dition of  his  mother.  He  was  admitted  ;  found  her 
stretched  on  a  bed,  in  a  state  of  delirium,  raving  in  her 
fever,  and  unconscious  of  his  presence.  The  frenzy  of 
his  mother  being  substantiated  by  what  he  had  witnessed, 
and  by  the  assurances  of  the  keepers,  to  whom  he  made 
a  present  of  half  his  small  finances,  to  induce  them  to 
treat  her  with  kindness,  Newton  returned  to  Overton, 
where  he  remained  at  home,  shut  up  with  his  father.  In 
a  few  days  notice  was  given  by  the  town-crier,  that  the 
remaining  stock  of  Mr  Nicholas  Forster,  optician,  was  to 
be  disposed  of  by  public  auction. 


62  Newton  Forster;  or, 

The  fact  was,  that  Nicholas  Forster,  like  many  other 
husbands,  although  his  wife  had  been  a  source  of  constant 
annoyance,  had  become  so  habituated  to  her,  that  he  was 
miserable  now  that  she  was  gone.  Habit  is  more  power- 
ful than  even  love ;  and  many  a  married  couple  continue  to 
live  comfortably  together  long  after  love  has  departed, 
from  this  most  binding  of  all  human  sensations.  Nicholas 
determined  to  quit  Overton ;  and  Newton,  who  perceived 
that  his  father's  happiness  was  at  stake,  immediately 
acquiesced  in  his  wish.  When  Nicholas  Forster  resolved 
to  leave  the  town  where  he  had  so  long  resided,  he  had  no 
settled  plans  for  the  future ;  the  present  idea  to  remove 
from  the  scene  connected  with  such  painful  associations 
was  all  which  occupied  his  thoughts.  Newton,  who  pre- 
sumed that  his  father  had  some  arranged  plan,  did  not 
attempt  to  awaken  him  from  his  profound  melancholy,  to 
inquire  into  his  intentions ;  and  Nicholas  had  never  given 
the  subject  one  moment  of  his  thought.  When  all  was 
ready,  Newton  inquired  of  his  father,  in  what  manner  he 
intended  they  should  travel? — "Why,  outside  the  coach 
will  be  the  cheapest,  Newton  •,  and  we  have  no  money  to 
spare.     You  had  better  take  our  places  to-night." 

"  To  what  place,  father  ?  "  inquired  Newton. 

**  I'm  sure  I  don't  know,  Newton,"  replied  Nicholas,  as 
if  just  awoke. 

This  answer  produced  a  consultation ;  and  after  many 
pros  and  cons,  it  was  resolved  that  Nicholas  should  proceed 
to  Liverpool,  and  settle  in  that  town.  The  sloop  com- 
manded by  Newton  was  found  defective  in  the  stern  port ; 
and,  as  it  would  take  some  little  time  to  repair  her,  Newton 
had  obtained  leave  for  a  few  days  to  accompany  his  father 
on  his  journey.  The  trunk  picked  up  at  sea,  being  too 
cumbrous,  was  deposited  with  the  articles  of  least  value, 
in  the  charge  of  Mr  Dragwell ;  the  remainder  was  taken 
away  by  Newton,  until  he  could  find  a  more  secure  place 
for  their  deposit.  On  their  arrival  at  Liverpool,  with  little 
money  and  no  friends,  Nicholas  rented  a  small  shop ;  and 
Newton   having   extended   his   leave   of   absence   to   the 


The  Merchant  Service  6^ 

furthest,  that  he  might  contribute  to  his  father's  comfort, 
returned  to  Overton,  to  resume  the  command  of  the  sloop. 
The  first  object  was  to  call  at  the  asylum,  where  he  was 
informed  that  his  mother  was  much  less  violent,  but  in  so 
weak  a  state  that  he  could  not  be  admitted.  Doctor 
Beddington  had  not  returned ;  but  a  medical  gentleman, 
who  had  been  called  in  during  his  absence,  stated  to 
Newton,  that  he  had  no  doubt  if  his  mother  should  recover 
from  her  present  state  of  exhaustion,  that  her  reason  would 
be  restored.  Newton  returned  to  Overton  with  a  lightened 
heart,  and  the  next  day  sailed  in  the  sloop  for  Bristol. 
Contrary  winds  detained  him  more  than  a  fortnight  on  his 
passage.  On  his  arrival,  his  cargo  was  not  ready,  and 
Newton  amused  himself  by  walking  about  the  town  and  its 
environs.  At  last  his  cargo  was  on  board ;  and  Newton, 
who  was  most  anxious  to  ascertain  the  fate  of  his  mother, 
made  all  haste  to  obtain  his  clearance  and  other  papers 
from  the  Custom-house.  It  was  late  in  the  evening  before 
he  had  settled  with  the  house  to  which  the  sloop  had  been 
consigned ;  but,  as  the  wind  and  tide  served,  and  there 
was  a  bright  moon,  he  resolved  to  weigh  that  night. 
With  his  pa])ers  carefully  buttoned  in  his  coat,  he  was  pro- 
ceeding to  the  boat  at  the  jetty,  when  he  was  seized  by 
two  men,  who  rushed  upon  him  from  behind.  He  hardly 
had  time  to  look  round  to  ascertain  the  cause,  when  a  blow 
on  the  head  stretched  him  senseless  on  the  gronnd. 

Now,  my  readers  may  probably  feel  some  little  distress 
at  the  misfortune  of  Newton,  and  have  some  slight  degree 
of  curiosity  to  know  the  grounds  of  this  severe  treatment. 
I,  on  the  contrary,  am  never  more  pleased  than  when  I 
find  my  principal  character  in  a  state  of  abeyance,  and 
leave  him  so  with  the  greatest  indifference,  because  it  suits 
my  convenience.  I  have  now  an  opportunity  of  returning 
to  Mrs  Forster,  or  any  other  of  the  parties  who  act  a  sub- 
ordinate part  in  my  narrative  ;  and,  as  Newton  is  down  on 
the  ground,  and  hors  de  combat^  why,  there  let  him  lie — 
until  I  want  him  again. 

Doctor   Beddington   returned   home    long    before    the 


64  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

recovery  of  Mrs  Forster  from  her  severe  attack.  As  it 
may  be  presumed,  he  found  her  perfectly  rational ;  but 
still  he  had  no  doubt  of  the  assertions  of  his  keepers,  that 
she  was  insane  at  the  time  that  she  was  sent  to  the  asylum 
by  Mr  Ramsden.  The  latter  gentleman  kept  aloof  until 
the  issue  of  Mrs  Forster's  malady  should  be  ascertained  : 
if  she  recovered,  it  was  his  intention  to  call  upon  Doctor 
Beddington  and  explain  the  circumstances ;  if  she  died,  he 
had  determined  to  say  nothing  about  it.  Mrs  Forster's 
recovery  was  tedious  5  her  mind  was  loaded  with  anxiety, 
and,  what  was  infinitely  more  important,  with  deep  remorse. 
The  supposed  death  of  Mr  Spinney  had  been  occasioned 
by  her  violence,  and  she  looked  forward  with  alarm,  as 
great  as  the  regret  with  which  she  looked  back  upon  her 
former  behaviour.  "When  she  called  to  mind  her  unfeeling 
conduct  towards  her  husband, — the  many  years  of  bitter- 
ness she  had  created  for  him, — her  infraction  of  the 
marriage  vow — the  solemn  promise  before  God  to  love, 
honour,  and  obey,  daily  and  hourly  violated, — her  unjust 
hatred  of  her  only  son, — her  want  of  charity  towards 
others, — all  her  duties  neglected, — swayed  only  by  selfish 
and  malignant  passions, — with  bitter  tears  of  contrition 
and  self-abasement,  she  acknowledged  that  her  punishment 
was  just.  With  streaming  eyes,  with  supplicating  hands 
and  bended  knees,  she  implored  mercy  and  forgiveness  of 
Him  to  whom  appeal  is  never  made  in  vain.  Passion's 
infuriate  reign  was  over — her  heart  was  changed  ! 

To  Doctor  Beddington  she  made  neither  complaint  nor 
explanation.  All  she  wished  was  to  quit  the  asylum  as 
soon  as  she  was  restored  to  health,  and  prove  to  her  hus- 
band, by  her  future  conduct,  the  sincerity  of  her  reforma- 
tion. When  she  became  convalescent,  by  the  advice  of 
Doctor  Beddington,  she  walked  in  a  garden  appropriated 
for  the  exercise  of  the  more  harmless  inmates  of  the  asylum. 
The  first  day  that  she  went  out  she  sat  down  upon  a  bench 
near  to  the  keepers  who  were  watching  those  who  were 
permitted  to  take  the  air  and  exercise,  and  overheard  their 
discourse,  which  referred  to  herself. 


The  Merchant  Service  6^ 

"  Why,  what  was  it  as  made  her  mad — d'ye  know, 
Tom  ? " 

"  They  say  she's  been  no  better  all  her  life,"  replied  the 
other  y  "  a  rat  would  not  live  in  the  house  with  her  :  at  last, 
in  one  of  her  tantrums,  she  nearly  murdered  old  Spinney, 
the  clerk  at  Overton.  The  report  went  out  that  he  was 
dead  ;  and  conscience,  I  suppose,  or  summut  of  that  kind, 
run  away  with  her  senses." 

"  Oh,  he  warn't  killed  then  ?  " 

**  No,  no  :  I  seed  him  and  heard  him  too,  Sunday  'fore 
last,  when  I  went  to  call  upon  old  father  •,  I  was  obligated 
to  go  to  church,  the  old  gemman's  so  remarkable  par- 
ticular." 

**  And  what's  become  of  her  husband,  and  that  hand- 
some young  chap,  her  son  ? " 

"  I  don't  know,  nor  nobody  else  either.  The  old  man, 
who  was  as  worthy  an  old  soul  as  ever  breathed  (more 
shame  to  the  old  faggot,  for  the  life  she  led  him  !)  grew 
very  unhappy  and  melancholy,  and  would  not  stay  in  the 
place  :  they  disposed  of  everything,  and  both  went  away 
together  5  but  nobody  knows  where  the  old  man  is  gone 
to." 

**  And  the  young  'un  ?  '* 

**Oh,  he  came  back  and  took  command  of  the  sloop. 
He  was  here  twice,  to  see  how  his  mother  was.  Poor 
lad  !  it  was  quite  pitiful  to  see  how  unhappy  he  was  about 
the  old  catamaran.  He  give  me  and  Bill  a  guinea  apiece 
to  be  kind  to  her  ;  but,  about  three  days  back,  the  sloop 
came  into  the  harbour  without  him  :  they  suppose  that  he 
fell  off  the  jetty  at  Bristol  and  was  drowned,  for  he  was 
seen  coming  down  to  the  boat  ;  and,  a'ter  that,  they  never 
heard  no  more  about  him." 

"  Well,  but  Tom,  the  old  woman's  all  right  now  ?  " 

"  Yes,  she's  right  enough ;  but  where  be  her  husband, 
and  where  be  her  son  ^  she'll  never  plague  them  any  more, 
that's  pretty  sartain." 

The  feelings  of  Mrs  Forster  at  the  Jina/e  of  this  dis- 
course are  not  easy  to  be  portrayed.     One  heavy  load  was 

F  £ 


66  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

off  her  mind — Mr  Spinney  was  not  dead  ;  but  how  much 
had  she  also  to  lament  ?  She  perceived  that  she  had  been 
treacherously  kidnapped  by  those  who  detested  her  con- 
duct, but  had  no  right  to  inflict  the  punishment.  The 
kind  and  feeling  conduct  of  her  husband  and  of  her  son, — 
the  departure  of  the  one,  and  supposed  death  of  the  other, 
were  blows  which  nearly  overwhelmed  her.  She  tottered 
back  to  her  cell  in  a  state  of  such  extreme  agitation,  as  to 
occasion  a  return  of  fever,  and  for  many  days  she  was 
unable  to  quit  her  bed. 


Chapter  X 

When  Britain  first  at  Heaven's  command 
Arose  from  out  the  azure  main, 
This  was  the  charter,  the  charter  of  the  land, 
And  guardian  angels  sung  the  strain, — 
Rule  Britannia,  Britannia  rules  the  waves, 
For  Britons  never  shall  be  slaves" 

We  left  Newton  Forster  senseless  on  the  pavement  leading 
to  the  quay  at  Bristol,  floored  by  a  rap  on  the  head  from 
a  certain  person  or  persons  unknown :  he  did  not,  how- 
ever, remain  there  long,  being  hoisted  on  the  shoulders 
of  two  stout  fellows,  dressed  in  bluejackets  and  trousers, 
with  heavy  clubs  in  their  hands,  and  a  pistol  lying 
j)erdu  between  their  waistcoats  and  shirts.  These  nautical 
personages  tumbled  him  into  the  stern-sheets  of  a  boat, 
as  if  not  at  all  sorry  to  rid  themselves  of  his  weight ;  and, 
in  a  continued  state  of  insensibility,  Newton  was  hoisted 
up  the  side  of  a  cutter  which  lay  at  anchor  about  one 
hundred  yards  from  the  shore. 

When  Newton  recovered  his  senses,  his  swimming  eyes 
could  just  enable  him  to  perceive  that  something  flashed 
upon  them,  and  in  their  weak  state  created  a  painful 
sensation.  As  he  became  more  collected,  he  discovered 
that  a  man  was  holding  a  small  candle  close  to  them,  to 
ascertain  whether  the  vein  which  had  been  opened  in  his 


The  Merchant  Service  6"] 

arm  had  produced  the  desired  effect  of  restoring  him  to 
animation.  Newton  tried  to  recollect  where  he  was,  and 
what  had  occurred ;  but  the  attempted  exercise  of  his 
mental  powers  was  too  much,  and  again  threw  him  into 
a  state  of  stupor.  At  last  he  awoke  as  if  from  a  dream 
of  death,  and  looking  round,  found  himself  lying  on  the 
deck  attended  by  a  female,  who  bathed  his  forehead. 

**  Where  am  I  ? "  exclaimed  Newton. 

**  Is  it  where  you  are,  that  you'd  want  for  to  know  : 
an't  ye  on  board  of  the  Lively  cutter,  sure  ?  and  an't  you 
between  decks  in  her,  and  I  looking  a'ter  ye,  honey  ?  " 

"  And  who  are  you  ?  " 

**  And  who  am  I !  Then,  if  I'm  not  somebody  else, 
I'm  Judy  Malony,  the  wife  of  the  boatswain's  mate,  and 
a  lawful  married  woman." 

**  How  did  I  come  here  ?  "  continued  Newton,  raising 
himself  on  his  elbow. 

**  You  didn't  come  at  all,  honey,  you  were  brought." 

"  Who  brought  me  ?  " 

**  Who  brought  ye !  it  was  either  the  gig  or  the  jolly- 
boat  ;  but  I  wasn't  on  deck  at  the  time,  so  I  can't  upon 
my  oath  say  exactly  which." 

"  Then,  pray  can  you  tell  me  why  I  was  brought 
here  ? "  replied  Newton. 

"Sure  I  can  guess,  bating  you  don't  know  already. 
It  was  to  sarve  your  king  and  your  country,  like  a  brave 
volunteer  as  you  are." 

"  Then  Tm  impressed  ?  " 

**  You  may  take  your  Bible  oath  of  it,  my  jewel,  and 
commit  no  perjury.  It's  a  hard  rap  that  ye  got,  anyhow ; 
just  a  hint  that  ye  were  wanted  :  but  plase  God,  if  ye 
live  and  do  well,  'twill  be  nothing  at  all  to  what  ye'll 
have  by-and-bye,  all  for  the  honour  and  glory  of  Ould 
England." 

Newton,  who  during  these  remarks  was  thinking  of 
his  father's  situation,  and  the  distress  he  would  suffer 
without  his  assistance,  and  then  of  the  state  in  which  he 
had  left  his  mother,  again  sank  on  the  deck. 


6S  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"  Why,  he's  off  again  !  "  muttered  Judy  Malony  ;  "  he's 
no  countryman  of  mine,  that's  clear  as  the  mud  in  the 
Shannon,  or  he'd  never  fuss  about  a  rap  with  a  shillelah ; " 
and  Judy,  lifting  up  her  petticoats  first,  gained  her  feet, 
and  walked  away  forward. 

Newton  remained  in  a  state  of  uneasy  slumber  until 
daylight,  when  he  was  awakened  by  the  noise  of  boats 
coming  alongside,  and  loud  talking  on  deck.  All  that 
had  passed  did  not  immediately  rush  into  his  mind;  but 
his  arm  tied  up  with  the  bandage,  and  his  hair  matted, 
and  his  face  stiff  with  the  coagulated  blood,  soon  brought 
to  his  recollection  the  communication  of  Judy  Malony, 
that  he  had  been  impressed.  The  'tween  decks  of  the 
cutter  appeared  deserted,  unless  indeed  there  were  people 
in  the  hammocks  slung  over  his  head  ;  and  Newton, 
anxious  to  obtain  further  information,  crawled  under  the 
hammocks  to  the  ladder,  and  went  up  on  deck. 

About  twenty  sailors,  well  armed,  were  busy  handing 
out  of  the  boats  several  men  whom  they  had  brought  on 
board,  who  were  ordered  aft  by  the  officer  in  command. 
Newton  perceived  that  most  of  them  had  not  received 
much  better  treatment  than  he  had  on  the  preceding 
evening  ;  some  were  shockingly  disfigured,  and  were  still 
bleeding  profusely. 

"  How  many  have  you  altogether^  Mr  Vincent  ?  "  said 
the  lieutenant  to  a  stout  master's  mate  with  a  tremendous 
pair  of  whiskers,  which  his  loose  handkerchief  discovered 
to  join  together  at  his  throat. 

"  Seventeen,  sir." 

"  And  how  many  had  we  before  ? — twenty-six,  I  think." 

**  Twenty-seven,  sir,  with  the  young  chap  I  sent  on 
board  last  night." 

"Well,  that  will  do;  it's  quite  as  many  as  we  can  stow 
away,  or  take  care  of : — pass  them  all  down  below,  forward  ; 
take  up  the  ladder,  and  put  on  the  grating  until  we  are  out 
of  the  harbour.  As  soon  as  the  jolly-boat  comes  on  board 
we'll  up  anchor." 

"  She'll  be  off  directly,  sir ;  I  ordered  her  to  wait  for 


The  Merchant  Service  69 

Johnson  and  Merton,  who  did  not  come  down  with 
us." 

"  Do  you  think  they  have  given  you  the  slip  ?  " 

"  I  should  think  not,  sir.  Here  is  the  jolly-boat  coming 
ofF." 

'*  "Well,  pass  the  men  forv/ard  and  secure  them,"  replied 
the  lieutenant.  ^'  Overhaul  the  boat's  falls,  and  bring  to 
with  the  windlass." 

Newton  thought  this  a  good  opportunity  to  state  that  he 
was  the  master  of  a  vessel,  and,  as  such,  protected  from 
the  impress ;  he  therefore  walked  over  to  the  lieutenant, 
addressing  him,  "  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir " 

**  Who  are  you  ?  "  interrupted  the  lieutenant,  gruffly. 

"  I  was  impressed  last  night,  sir ; — may  I  speak  to  you  ?  " 

"  No,  sir,  you  may  not." 

**  It  might  save  you  some  trouble,  sir " 

"  It  will  save  me  more  to  send  you  down  below.  Mr 
Vincent,  shove  this  man  down  forward;  why  is  he  at  large?" 

"  He  was  under  the  doctor's  hands,  I  believe,  sir.  Come 
this  way,  my  hearty stir  your  stumps." 

Newton  would  have  expostulated,  but  he  was  collared 
by  two  of  the  press-gang,  and  very  unceremoniously  handed 
forward  to  the  hatchway ;  the  grating  was  taken  oiF,  and 
he  was  lowered  down  to  the  deck  below,  where  he  found 
himself  cooped  up  with  more  than  forty  others,  almost 
suffocated  for  the  want  of  air  and  space.  The  conversation 
(if  conversation  it  could  be  called)  was  nothing  but  one 
continued  string  of  curses  and  execrations,  and  vows  of 
deep  revenge. 

The  jolly-boat  returned,  pulling  only  two  oars ;  the 
remainder  of  her  crew,  with  Johnson  and  Merton,  having 
taken  this  opportunity  of  deserting  from  their  forced  servi- 
tude. With  some  hearty  execrations  upon  the  heads  of  the 
offending  parties,  and  swearing  that  by  G — d  there  was  no 
such  thing  as  gratitude  in  a  sailor,  the  commander  of  the 
cutter  weighed  his  anchor,  and  proceeded  to  sea. 

The  orders  received  by  the  lieutenant  of  the  cutter,  al- 
though not  precisely  specifying,  still  implying,  that  he  was 


7©  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

to  bring  back  his  cargo  alive,  as  soon  as  his  Majesty's  cutter 
Lively  was  fairly  out  at  sea  the  hatches  were  taken  off,  and 
the  impressed  men  allowed  to  go  on  deck  in  the  proportion 
of  about  one  half  at  a  time,  two  sailors  with  drawn  cutlasses 
still  remaining  sentry  at  the  coombings  of  the  hatchway, 
in  case  of  any  discontented  fellow  presuming  to  dispute 
such  lawful  authority. 

Newton  Forster  was  happy  to  be  once  more  on  deck  ;  so 
much  had  he  suffered  during  his  few  hours  of  confinement, 
that  he  really  felt  grateful  for  the  indulgence.  The  sky 
was  bright,  and  the  cutter  was  dashing  along  the  coast  with 
the  wind,  two  points  free,  at  the  rate  of  seven  or  eight 
miles  an  hour.  She  was  what  sailors  term  rather  a  ivet  07ie, 
and  as  she  plunged  through  the  short  waves  the  sea  broke 
continually  over  her  bows  and  chesstree,  so  that  there  was 
no  occasion  to  draw  water  for  purification.  Newton 
washed  his  face  and  head,  and  felt  quite  revived  as  he  in- 
haled the  fresh  breeze,  and  watched  the  coast  as  the  vessel 
rapidly  passed  each  headland  in  her  course.  All  around 
him  were  strangers,  and  no  one  appeared  inclined  to  be 
communicative ;  even  the  most  indifferent,  the  most  stoical, 
expressed  their  ideas  in  disjointed  sentences ;  they  could 
not  but  feel  that  their  projects  and  speculations  had  been 
overthrown  by  a  captivity  so  anomalous  with  their  boasted 
birthright. 

"  Where  are  we  going  ? "  inquired  Newton  of  a  man  who 
stood  next  him,  silently  watching  the  passing  foam  created 
by  the  rapid  course  of  the  vessel. 

"  To  hell  I  hope,  with  those  who  brought  us  here  I  "  replied 
the  man,  grinding  his  teeth  with  a  scowl  of  deep 
revenge. 

At  this  moment  Judy  Malony  came  pattering  along  the 
wet  deck  with  a  kid  of  potato-peelings  to  throw  over  the 
bows.  Newton  recognised  her,  and  thanked  her  for  her 
kindness. 

"  It's  a  nice  boy  that  you  are,  sure  enough,  now  that 
you're  swate  and  clean,"  replied  Judy.  "  Bad  luck  to  the 
rapparee  who  gave  you  the  blow !  I  axed  my  husband  if  it 


The  Merchant  Service  71 

was  he  ;  but  he  swears  upon  his  salvation  that  it  was  no 
one  if  it  wasn't  Tim  O'Connor,  the  baste  !  " 

"  Where  are  we  going  ? "  inquired  Newton. 

**  An't  we  going  to  dinner  in  a  minute  or  two  ?  " 

"  I  mean  where  is  the  cutter  bound  to  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  the  cutter  you  mane  !  If  she  can  only  find  her 
way,  it's  to  Plymouth,  sure  ; — they're  waiting  for  ye." 

"  Who  is  waiting  for  us  ?  " 

"  Why,  three  fine  frigates  as  can't  go  to  sea  without 
hands.  You  never  heard  of  a  ship  sailing  without  hands  ; 
the  poor  dumb  craturs  can't  do  nothing  by  themselves." 

"  Do  you  know  where  the  frigates  are  going  ? " 

**  Going  to  say^  I  lay  my  life  on't,"  replied  Judy,  who 
then  walked  forward,  and  broke  up  the  conversation. 

The  next  morning  the  cutter  ran  into  Hamoaze,  and 
boats  were  sent  on  board  to  remove  the  impressed  men  to 
the  guard-ship.  There,  much  to  his  annoyance  and  morti- 
fication, Newton  found  that,  with  the  others,  he  was 
treated  as  a  close  prisoner.  The  afternoon  of  the  same 
day  another  vessel  arrived  from  the  eastward  with  a  col- 
lection of  offenders,  who  for  a  variety  of  crimes  and 
misdemeanours  had  been  sentenced  to  serve  on  board  of  a 
man-of-war.  No  distinction  was  made ;  all  were  huddled 
together,  and  treated  alike,  until  summ.oned  on  the  quarter- 
deck, when  their  names  were  called  out  for  distribution  to 
the  several  men-of-war.  Each  ship  having  a  quota  of  sea- 
men and  pickpockets  allotted  to  her  in  due  proportion,  the 
men  were  ordered  down  into  the  boats  ;  and  in  less  than  an 
hour  Newton  found  himself  on  board  of  a  fine  frigate 
lying  in  the  Sound,  with  her  fore-topsail  loose,  as  a  signal 
of  her  immediate  departure. 


72  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter  XI 

"  Tis  man's  bold  task  the  gen'rous  strife  to  try, 
But  in  the  hands  of  God  is  victory." 

Iliad. 

Newton,  and  the  other  men  who  had  been  selected  for 
the  frigate,  on  board  of  which  they  had  been  despatched 
(victualled  the  day  discharged),  were  mustered  on  the 
quarter-deck  by  the  first  lieutenant,  who  asked  them 
the  questions,  whether  they  were  bred  to  the  sea,  and 
could  take  the  helm  and  lead.  Having  noted  down  their 
answers,  he  stationed  them  accordingly,  and  they  were 
dismissed.  Newton  would  again  have  appealed,  but  on 
reflection  thought  it  advisable  to  await  the  arrival  of  the 
captain.  Beds  and  blankets  were  not  supplied  that  evening  : 
the  boats  were  hoisted  up,  sentries  on  the  gangways  supplied 
with  ball-cartridges  to  prevent  desertion,  and  permission 
granted  to  the  impressed  men  to  "  prick  for  the  softest 
plank,"  which  they  could  find  for  their  night's  repose. 

At  daylight  the  hands  were  turned  up,  the  capstern 
manned,  the  frigate  unmoored,  and  hove  "  short  stay  a- 
peak  "  on  her  anchor  remaining  down.  The  gig  was  sent 
on  shore  with  two  midshipmen,  one  to  watch  the  men  and 
prevent  their  desertion,  while  the  other  went  up  to  the 
captain's  lodgings  to  report  her  arrival,  the  topsails  were 
loosed,  sheeted  home,  and  hoisted,  the  yards  braced  by, 
and  Newton  to  his  sorrow  perceived  that  the  captain's 
arrival  would  be  the  signal  for  immediate  departure. 
The  signal-man,  on  the  look-out  with  his  glass,  reported 
the  gig  coming  oiF  with  the  captain ;  and  in  obedience  to 
the  orders  he  had  received,  the  first  lieutenant  immediately 
hove  up,  and  the  anchor  having  been  "  catted  and  fished," 
the  frigate  lay-to  in  the  Sound.  As  soon  as  the  boat  came 
alongside,  and  the  captain  had  been  received  with  the 
customary  honours,  he  desired  sail  to  be  made  on  her  as 
soon  as  the  boat  was  hoisted  up,  and  then  descended 
to  his  cabin.     In  three  minutes  Newton  perceived  that  all 


The  Merchant  Service 


1Z 


chance  of  release  for  the  present  was  over  ;  the  courses  and 
top-gallant  sails  were  set,  and  the  frigate  darted  past  the 
Ram  Head  at  the  rate  of  ten  miles  per  hour. 

In  about  twenty  minutes,  after  the  messenger  had  been 
stowed  away,  the  cables  coiled  in  the  tiers,  and  the  ropes 
flemished  down  on  deck,  the  captain  made  his  appearance, 
and  directed  the  first  lieutenant  to  send  aft  the  newly- 
impressed  men.  In  few  words  he  pointed  out  to  them  the 
necessity  of  their  servitude ;  and  concluded  by  recom- 
mending them  to  enter  his  Majesty's  service,  and  receive 
the  bounty  to  which  they  would  become  entitled  ; 
observing,  that  the  men  who  did  so  would  raise  them- 
selves in  his  good  opinion,  and  as  far  as  he  had  the  power, 
would  not  be  forgotten  by  him,  provided  that  their  general 
good  conduct  merited  his  favour.  Some  few  accepted  the 
terms,  but  the  most  of  them  positively  refused.  When 
Newton  was  addressed,  he  stated  to  the  captain  that  he 
was  master  of  a  vessel,  and  exempted  by  law  from  the 
impress. 

"  It  is  easy  to  assert  that,"  observed  the  captain  ;  "  but 
where  are  your  proofs  ?  your  youth  almost  denies  what 
you  affirm." 

"  There  are  my  papers,  sir,  my  clearance  from  the 
Custom-house,  and  my  bill  of  lading,  which  I  had  in  my 
pocket,  intending  to  sail  a  few  minutes  after  the  time  that 
I  was  impressed." 

"  I  observe,"  replied  the  captain,  examining  the  papers, 
**  they  appear  to  be  all  correct.     What  is  your  name  t  " 
"  Newton  Forster." 
*'  Then  this  is  your  signature  ?" 
*'It  is,  sir." 

"  Mr  Pittson,  desire  the  clerk  to  bring  up  a  pen  and  ink." 

The    clerk    made    his    appearance.     '*  Now,    sign    your 

name."     Newton  obeyed,  and  his  signature  was  compared 

with  that  on  the  bill  of  lading,  by  the  captain  and  first 

lieutenant. 

"  Why  did  you  not  mention  this  before  ?  "  continued 
the  captain. 


74  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"I  attempted  several  times,  but  was  not  permitted  to 
speak."  Newton  then  stated  how  he  had  been  treated 
when  impressed,  and  afterwards  by  the  officer  commanding 
the  cutter. 

"  You  certainly  were  exempted  from  the  impress,  if 
what  you  state  is  true  ;  and  I  believe  it  so  to  be,"  replied 
the  captain.  "It  is  a  hard  case ;  but  what  can  I  do  ? 
Here  we  are  at  sea,  and  likely  to  remain  on  a  cruise  of 
several  months.  You  cannot  expect  to  eat  the  bread  of 
idleness  on  board  of  a  man-of-war.  You  will  do  your 
duty  wherever  you  are  stationed.  There  is  no  disgrace  in 
serving  his  Majesty  in  any  capacity.  I  tell  you  candidly, 
that  although  I  would  not  have  impressed  you  myself,  I 
am  very  glad  that  I  have  you  on  board  ;  I  wish  I  had  fifty 
more  of  the  same  sort,  instead  of  the  sweepings  of  the 
gaols,  which  I  am  obliged  to  mix  up  with  prime  seamen." 

'*  Perhaps,  sir,  you  will  have  the  kindness  to  send  me 
back  by  the  first  homeward-bound  vessel  ?  " 

"  No,  that  I  cannot  do ;  you  are  on  the  ship's  books, 
and  the  case  must  be  referred  to  the  Admiralty  on  our 
return  :  that  it  will  be  my  duty  to  attend  to,  upon  your 
application ;  but  I  hope  before  that  you  will  have  entered 
into  his  Majesty's  service." 

**  And  in  the  meantime  my  poor  father  may  starve,"  said 
Newton,  with  a  sigh,  not  addressing  those  around  him, 
but  giving  utterance  to  his  thoughts. 

The  captain  turned  away,  and  paced  the  quarter-deck 
with  the  first  lieutenant.  At  last  he  was  overheard  to 
say,  "  It's  a  very  hard  case,  certainly.  Forster,  can  you 
navigate  ?  "  continued  the  captain,  addressing  Newton. 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  can  work  up  a  dead  reckoning,  and  take 
the  sun's  altitude." 

"  Very  well,  that  will  do.  Mr  Pittson,  you  may  dismiss 
them.     Are  they  put  into  messes  ?  " 

"All,  sir." 

**  It's  twelve  o'clock,  sir,"  said  the  master,  touching  his 
hat,  with  his  quadrant  in  his  hand. 

"  Make  it  so,  and  pipe  to  dinner." 


The  Merchant  Service  75 

Newton  was  stationed  in  the  foretop.  In  a  few  days 
the  awkwardness  arising  from  the  novelty  of  the  scene, 
and  from  the  superior  dimensions  of  every  variety  of 
equipment  on  board  of  the  frigate,  compared  to  the  small 
craft  to  which  he  had  been  accustomed,  passed  away.  The 
order  which  was  exacted  to  preserve  discipline,  the  pre- 
cision with  which  the  time  was  regulated,  the  knowledge 
of  the  duty  allotted  to  him,  soon  made  him  feel  that  no 
more  was  exacted  than  what  could  easily  be  performed,  and 
that  there  was  no  hardship  in  serving  on  board  of  a  man-of- 
war  ;  the  only  hardship  was,  the  manner  in  which  he  had 
been  brought  there.  Although  he  often  sighed  as  he 
thought  of  his  father  and  mother,  he  did  his  duty  cheer- 
fully, and  was  soon  distinguished  as  a  most  promising 
young  sailor. 

Captain  Northfleet  was  a  humane  and  good  officer,  and 
his  first  lieutenant  followed  in  his  steps,  and  equally 
deserved  the  character.  Before  the  ship's  company  had 
been  six  weeks  together,  they  were  in  a  tolerable  state  of 
discipline  ;  and  proved  such  to  be  the  case,  by  acknow- 
ledging that  they  were  happy.  This,  added  to  the 
constant  excitement  of  chasing  and  capturing  the  vessels 
of  the  enemy,  with  the  anticipation  of  prize-money,  soon 
made  most  of  those  who  had  been  impressed  forget  what 
had  occurred,  or  cease  to  lament  it  as  a  hardship.  The 
continual  exercise  of  the  guns  was  invariably  followed  up 
by  a  general  wish  that  they  might  fall  in  with  an  enemy  of 
equal  force,  to  ascertain  whether  such  constant  driUing  had 
been  thrown  away  upon  them.  The  Terpsichore  received 
supplies  of  provisions  and  water  from  other  ships,  and  for 
nine  months  continued  a  successful  cruise. 

Several  prizes  had  already  been  captured,  and  sent  home 
to  England.  The  complement  of  the  frigate  was  materially 
reduced  by  so  many  absentees,  although  some  of  her  men 
had  been  brought  out  to  her  by  other  vessels,  when  a 
strange  sail  was  discovered  from  the  mast-head.  A  few 
hours  sufficed  to  bring  the  swift  Terpsichore  alongside  of 
the    stranger,    who    first   hoisted,    and    then   immediately 


•^(i         '  Newton  Forster;  or, 

hauled  down  the  tricoloured  flag  in  token  of  submission. 
She  proved  to  be  a  French  brig,  bound  to  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  with  ammunition  and  government  stores.  The 
third  lieutenant,  and  all  the  midshipmen  who  could  navigate, 
were  already  away  ;  and  this  prize  proving  valuable. 
Captain  Northfleet  resolved  to  send  her  in.  The  difficulty 
relative  to  a  prize-master  was  removed  by  the  first  lieu- 
tenant, who  recommended  Newton  Forster.  To  this 
suggestion  the  captain  acceded ;  and  Newton,  with  five 
men,  and  two  French  prisoners  to  assist,  was  put  on  board 
of  the  Estelle,  with  written  instructions  to  repair  to 
Plymouth,  and,  upon  his  arrival  there,  deliver  up  the  prize 
to  the  agent,  and  report  himself  to  the  admiral. 

Captain  Northfleet  also  returned  to  Newton  the  papers 
of  his  sloop,  and  gave  him  a  letter  to  the  admiral,  stating 
the  hardship  of  his  case.  At  the  same  time  that  he  in- 
formed him  of  the  contents  of  his  letter,  he  recommended 
Newton  to  continue  in  the  service,  promising  that,  if  he 
took  the  vessel  safe  into  port,  he  would  put  him  on  the 
quarter-deck,  as  one  of  the  mates  of  the  frigate.  Newton 
thanked  Captain  Northfleet  for  his  good  intentions ;  and, 
requesting  permission  to  reflect  upon  his  proposal,  took  his 
leave,  and  in  a  few  minutes  was  on  board  of  the  Estelle. 

There  was  a  buoyancy  of  spirits  in  Newton  when  he 
once  more  found  himself  clear  of  the  frigate.  He  ac- 
knowledged that  he  had  been  well  treated,  and  that  he  had 
not  been  unhappy ;  but  still  it  was  emancipation  from 
forced  servitude.  It  is  hard  to  please  where  there  are  so 
many  masters ;  and  petty  tyranny  will  exist,  and  cause 
much  discontent  before  it  is  discovered,  even  where  the 
best  discipline  prevails.  The  imperious  behaviour  of  the 
young  midshipmen,  who  assume  the  same  despotic  sway 
which  is  exercised  over  themselves,  as  soon  as  their 
superiors  are  out  of  sight  and  hearing,  was  often  extremely 
galling  to  Newton  Forster,  and  it  frequently  required 
much  forbearance  not  to  retort.  However  in  strict  justice 
this  might  be  warranted,  discipline  would  not  permit  it, 
and  it  would  have  been  attended  with  severe  punishment. 


The  Merchant  Service  77 

It  was  therefore  with  a  feeling  of  delight  that  Newton 
found  himself  his  own  master,  and  watched  the  hull  and 
canvas  of  the  Terpsichore,  as  they  gradually  sank  below  the 
horizon. 

The  Estelle  was  a  fine  vessel,  and  her  cargo  not  being 
all  composed  of  heavy  materials,  was  sufficiently  light  on 
the  water  to  sail  well.  At  the  time  of  her  capture,  they 
were,  by  the  reckoning  of  the  frigate,  about  fourteen 
hundred  miles  from  the  Lizard.  In  a  fortnight,  therefore, 
with  the  wind  at  all  propitious,  Newton  hoped  to  set  his 
foot  upon  his  native  land.  He  crowded  all  the  sail  which 
prudence  would  allow ;  and,  with  the  wind  upon  his 
quarter,  steered  his  course  for  England. 

The  men  sent  with  him  in  the  brig  consisted  of  two  able 
seamen,  and  three  of  the  gang  which  had  been  collected 
from  the  gaols  and  brought  round  from  the  eastward. 
Captain  Northfleet  spared  the  former,  as  it  was  necessary 
that  a  part  of  the  crew  should  be  able  to  steer  and  navigate 
the  vessel ;  the  latter,  with  the  sincere  hope  of  never  seeing 
them  again,  taking  it  for  granted  that  they  would  run 
away  as  soon  as  they  arrived  at  Plymouth.  With  the  two 
prisoners,  they  were  sufficient  to  work  the  vessel. 

During  the  first  ten  days  the  wind  was  generally  in 
their  favour  ;  and  the  brig  was  not  far  off  from  the  chops 
of  the  Channel,  when  a  low  raking  vessel  was  perceived 
bearing  down  upon  them  from  the  N.W.  Newton  had  no 
glass ;  but  as  she  neared  to  within  three  miles,  the  vessel 
wore  the  appearance  of  a  privateer  schooner  ;  but  whether 
an  enemy  or  not,  it  was  impossible  to  decide.  The  Estelle 
had  two  small  brass  guns  on  her  forecastle  ;  and  Newton, 
to  ascertain  the  nation  to  which  the  privateer  belonged, 
hoisted  the  French  ensign  and  fired  a  gun.  In  a  minute 
the  privateer  hoisted  English  colours  ;  but  as  she  continued 
to  bear  down  upon  them,  Newton,  not  feeling  secure,  rove 
his  studding-sail  gear,  and  made  all  preparation  for  running 
before  the  wind,  which  he  knew  to  be  the  brig's  best  point 
of  sailing.  The  privateer  had  approached  to  within  two 
miles,    when    Roberts,    one    of    the    seamen,   gave    his 


yS  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

decided  opinion  that  she  was  a  French  vessel,  pointing  out 
the  slight  varieties  in  the  rigging  and  build  of  the  vessel, 
which  would  not  have  been  apparent  to  anyone  but  a 
thorough-bred  seamen. 

"  Vfe'd  better  up  helm,  and  get  the  sail  upon  her.  If 
she  be  French,  she'll  soon  show  herself  by  firing  at  us." 

Newton  was  of  the  same  opinion.  The  brig  was  put 
before  the  wind,  and  gradually  all  her  canvas  was  spread. 
The  privateer  immediately  shook  out  all  her  reefs,  set 
her  lofty  sails,  hoisted  French  colours,  and,  in  a  few 
minutes,  a  shot  whizzed  through  the  rigging  of  the 
Estelle^  and  pitched  into  the  water  ahead  of  them. 

"  I  thought  so,"  cried  Roberts.  "  It's  a  Johnny  Crapeau. 
A  starn  chase  is  a  long  chase,  anyhow.  The  brig  sails 
well,  and  there  aren't  more  than  two  hours  daylight ;  so 
Monsieur  must  be  quick,  or  we'll  give  him  the  slip 
yet." 

The  privateer  was  now  within  a  mile  of  them ;  both 
vessels  had  "  got  their  way  ;  "  and  their  respective  powers 
of  sailing  were  to  be  ascertained.  In  half  an  hour  the 
privateer  had  neared  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile. 

**  I  think  our  little  guns  will  soon  reach  her,"  observed 
Newton.  "Williams,  give  me  the  helm.  Go  forward  with 
Roberts  and  the  men,  and  rouse  them  aft.  Be  smart,  my 
lads,  for  she  has  the  heels  of  us." 

**  Come  along,"  said  Roberts.  **  You,  Collins,  why 
don't  you  stir  ? — do  you  wish  to  see  the  inside  of  a 
French  prison  ? " 

"No,"  replied  Collins,  sauntering  forward,  "not 
particularly." 

"  Only  by  way  of  a  change,  I  suppose,"  observed 
Thompson,  another  of  the  convicts.  "  You  have  been  in 
every  gaol  in  England,  to  my  knowledge — haven't  you, 
Ben  ? " 

"  Mayhap  I  have,"  replied  Collins ;  "  but  one  gentle- 
man should  never  interfere  in  the  consarns  of  another. 
I  warn't  whipped  at  the  cart-tail,  as  you  were,  last 
Lancaster  'sizes." 


The  Merchant  Service  79 

"No;  but  you  had  a  taste  of  it  on  board  of  the 
Terpsichore,  Ben,  you  arn't  forgot  that  ?  "  retorted  Hill- 
son,  the  other  of  the  three  characters  who  had  been  sent 
with  Newton. 

In  a  few  minutes  the  guns  were  run  aft,  and  the 
ammunition  brought  on  deck.  Newton  then  gave  the 
helm  to  Williams,  and  served  one  gun ;  while  Roberts 
took  charge  of  the  other.  The  privateer  had  continued 
to  near  them,  and  was  now  within  their  range.  A  smart 
fire  was  kept  up  on  her,  which  she  returned  with  her 
superior  metal. 

After  the  firing  had  commenced,  the  approach  of  the 
privateer  was  in  some  degree  checked.  The  guns  fired 
from  the  stern  of  the  Estelle  assisted  her  velocity  through 
the  water ;  while,  on  the  contrary,  the  privateer,  being 
obliged  to  yaw  from  her  course  that  her  guns  might 
bear,  and  firing  from  the  bow,  her  impetus  was  checked. 
Still  the  privateer  had  the  advantage  in  sailing,  and  slowly 
neared  the  brig. 

"  There's  no  need  of  your  coming  aft  so  close  upon 
us,"  said  Roberts  to  the  two  Frenchmen  who  had  been 
sent  on  board ;  "  go  forward,  and  keep  out  of  the  way. 
That  'ere  chap  is  after  mischief;  he  had  his  eye  upon  the 
amymnition^''  continued  the  sailor  to  Newton.  "  Go 
forward — d'ye  hear  ?  or  I'll  spHt  your  d — d  French  skull 
with  the  handspike." 

"  Don't  touch  him,  Roberts,"  said  Newton. 

"  No,  I  won't  touch  him,  if  he  keeps  out  of  my  way. 
Do  you  hear  ? — go  forward !  "  cried  Roberts  to  the 
Frenchman,  waving  his  hand. 

The  Frenchman  answered  with  a  sneer  and  a  smile, 
and  was  turning  to  obey  the  order,  when  a  shot  from  the 
privateer  cut  him  nearly  in  two.  The  other  Frenchman, 
who  was  close  to  him,  made  a  rapid  descent  into  the 
cabin. 

"  That  was  well  meant,  anyhow,"  observed  Roberts, 
looking  at  the  dead  body ;  "  but  it  wasn't  meant  for  him. 
Shall  I  toss  him  overboard  ?  " 


8o  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

**  No,  no — let  him  lie.  If  they  capture  us,  they  will 
perceive  it  was  their  own  doing." 

"  Well,  then,  I'll  only  haul  him  into  the  lee-scuppers, 
out  of  the  way." 

Another  shot  from  the  privateer  passed  through  the 
cabin  windows,  and  went  forward  into  the  hold.  The 
French  prisoner  ran  on  deck  with  as  much  haste  as  before 
he  had  run  below. 

"  Ay,  it  will  be  your  turn  next,  my  cock,"  cried 
Roberts,  who  had  been  removing  the  body  to  the  gunnel. 
"Now,  let  me  try  my  luck  again,"  and  he  hastened  to 
his  gun.  Newton  fired  before  Roberts  was  ready.  The 
topsail-sheet  of  the  schooner  was  divided  by  the  shot, 
and  the  sail  flew  out  before  the  yard. 

**  That's  a  good  two  cables'  length  in  our  favour,"  cried 
Roberts.  "Now  for  me."  Roberts  fired  his  gun,  and 
was  more  fortunate ;  his  shot  struck  away  the  fore-top- 
gallant-mast, while  the  royal  and  top-gallant  sail  fell 
before  the  topsail. 

"  Well  done,  my  little  piece  of  brass  ! "  said  Roberts, 
slapping  the  gun  familiarly  on  the  breech;  "only  get  us 
out  of  our  scrape,  and  I'll  polish  you  as  bright  as  silver !  " 

Whether  the  gun  understood  him  or  not,  or,  what  is 
more  probable,  the  short  distance  between  the  brig  and 
the  privateer  made  it  more  effective,  more  mischief  took 
place  in  the  sails  and  rigging  of  the  schooner.  Her  top- 
sail-sheet was,  however,  soon  rebent,  the  sail  reset,  and 
her  other  casualties  made  good.  She  ceased  firing  her 
long  gun,  and  at  dusk  had  crept  up  to  within  a  quarter 
of  a  mile,  and  commenced  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  upon 
the  brig. 

"  This  is  rather  warm  work,"  observed  Williams  at  the 
helm,  pointing  to  a  bullet-hole  through  his  jacket. 

"  Rather  too  warm,"  observed  Collins,  the  convict.  "I 
don't  see  why  we  are  to  risk  our  lives  for  our  paltry  share 
of  prize-money.     I  vote  for  hauling  down  the  colours." 

"Not  yet,"  said  Newton,  "not  yet,  my  lads.  Let  us 
try  a  few  shots  more." 


The  Merchant  Service  8i 

"  Try  ! — to  be  sure,"  rejoined  Roberts  ;  "  didn't  I  say- 
before,  that  a  starn  chase  was  a  long  one." 

"  That  only  makes  the  matter  worse,"  replied  Collins  ; 
"  for  while  we  are  to  be  peppered  this  way,  I  think  the 
shorter  the  chase  the  better.  However,  you  may  do  as 
you  please,  but  I'm  not  so  fond  of  it ;  so  here's  down 
below  to  the  fore-peak !  " 

"  Ben,  you're  a  sensible  chap,  and  gives  good  advice  ; 
we'll  just  follow  you,"  said  Hillson. 

"  Birds  of  a  feather  always  flock  together ;  so,  Ben,  I'm 
of  your  party,"  added  Thompson. 

The  convicts  then  descended  forward  out  of  the  fire 
of  the  musketry,  while  Newton  and  Roberts  continued 
to  load  and  fire,  and  Williams  steered  the  brig.  The 
Frenchman  had  already  found  his  way  below  again,  before 
the  convicts. 

The  schooner  was  within  two  cables'  length,  and  the 
fire  of  the  musketry  was  most  galling ;  each  of  the  English 
seamen  had  received  slight  wounds^  when,  just  as  it  was 
dark,  one  of  the  shots  from  the  brig  proved  more  effective. 
The  main-boom  of  the  schooner  was  either  cut  in  two, 
or  so  much  injured  as  to  oblige  them  to  lower  her  mainsail. 
The  brig  now  increased  her  distance  fast,  and  in  a  few 
minutes  they  lost  sight  of  the  schooner  in  the  darkness  of 
the  night. 

''Huzza!"  cried  Roberts,  "didn't  I  tell  you  that  a 
starn  chase  was  a  long  one  ? " 

Not  a  star  was  to  be  seen,  the  darkness  was  intense ; 
and  Newton  consulted  with  Williams  and  Roberts  as  to 
what  was  their  best  plan  of  proceeding.  It  was  agreed 
to  haul  up  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  then  furl  all,  and 
allow  the  privateer  to  pass  them.  This  was  put  in  execu- 
tion :  the  convicts,  now  that  there  was  no  more  firing, 
coming  to  their  assistance.  The  next  morning  the  weather 
proved  hazy,  and  the  schooner,  who  had  evidently  crowded 
sail  in  pursuit  of  them,  was  nowhere  to  be  seen. 

Newton  and  his  crew  congratulated  themselves  upon 
their  escape,  and  again  shaped  their  course  for  the  Channel. 

F  F 


N9 


82  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

The  wind  would  not  allow  them  to  keep  clear  of  XJshant ; 
and  two  days  afterwards  they  made  the  French  coast  near 
to  that  island.  The  next  morning  they  had  a  slant  of 
wind,  which  enabled  them  to  lay  her  head  up  for  Ply- 
mouth, and  anticipated  that  in  another  twenty-four  hours 
they  would  be  in  safety.  Such,  however,  was  not  their 
good  fortune  ;  about  noon  a  schooner  hove  in  sight  to 
leeward,  and  it  was  soon  ascertained  to  be  the  same  vessel 
from  which  they  had  previously  escaped.  Before  dusk 
she  was  close  to  them ;  and  Newton,  aware  of  the  im- 
possibility of  resistance,  hove-to,  as  a  signal  of  surrender.. 

Chapter    XII 

"  Misery  acquaints  a  man  with  strange  bedfellows." 

Shakespeare. 

As  the  reader  may  have  before  now  occasionally  heard  com- 
ments upon  the  uncertainty  of  the  moon  and  of  the  sea,  and 
also,  perhaps  of  human  life,  I  shall  not  venture  any  further 
remarks  upon  the  subject ;  for  were  they  even  new,  I 
should  never  have  the  credit  of  them.  This  is  certain,  that 
instead  of  finding  themselves,  as  they  anticipated  to  be  in 
the  next  twenty-four  hours,  safely  moored  in  the  port  of 
Plymouth,  Newton  and  his  comrades  fouad  themselves, 
before  that  time  had  elapsed,  safely  locked  up  in  the  prison 
of  Morlaix.     But  we  must  not  proceed  so  fast. 

Although  the  Estelle  had  squared  her  mainyard  as  a  signal 
of  submission,  the  privateer's  men,  as  they  ranged  their 
vessel  alongside,  thought  it  advisable  to  pour  in  a  volley  of 
musketry ;  this  might  have  proved  serious,  had  it  not  been 
that  Newton  and  his  crew  were  all  down  below,  hoping  to 
secure  a  few  changes  of  linen,  which,  in  a  prison,  might 
prove  very  useful.  As  it  was,  their  volley  only  killed  the 
remaining  French  prisoner,  who  remained  on  deck,  over- 
joyed at  the  recapture,  and  anticipating  an  immediate  return 
to  his  own  country ;  by  which  it  would  appear  that  the 
^^ Uhoinme propose f  mais  Dieu  dispose''''  of  France,  is  quite  as 


The  Merchant  Service  83 

sure  a  proverb  as  the  more  homely  **  Many  a  slip  between 
cup  and  lip  "  of  our  own  country. 

The  boat  of  the  privateer  was  sent  on  board  :  a  dozen 
men,  with  their  cutlasses  flourishing  over  their  heads,  leapt 
on  the  deck  of  the  Estelle,  and  found  nobody  to  exercise 
their  valour  upon,  except  the  body  of  their  departed  com- 
rade ;  upon  which  they  shouted  for  the  *'  Sacre's  God 
dams "  to  "  monter."  Newton  and  the  rest  obeyed  the 
summons,  with  their  bundles  in  their  hands  ;  the  latter  they 
were  soon  relieved  of  by  their  conquerors,  who,  to  prove 
that  it  was  not  out  of  ^^ politesse^^  that  they  carried  their 
effects,  at  the  same  time  saluted  them  with  various  blows 
with  their  cutlasses  upon  their  backs  and  shoulders.  New- 
ton, who  felt  that  resistance  would  only  be  an  excuse  for 
further  aggression,  bore  with  philosophy  what  he  could  not 
prevent,  and  hastened  into  the  boat.  The  convicts  also  took 
their  share  with  patience — they  had  been  accustomed  to 
*'  many  stripes."  Roberts  and  Williams,  in  spite  of  the 
remonstrances  of  Newton,  with  all  the  reckless  spirit  of 
English  sailors,  would  not  submit  so  quietly.  The  first 
object  which  attracted  Roberts'  attention,  as  he  came  up  the 
ladder,  was  the  body  of  the  remaining  French  prisoner. 

"  What !  Johnny,  so  you're  gone  !  Didn't  I  tell  you  that 
your  turn  would  come  next .''  i  say,  my  hearties,  you  keep 
all  your  bullets  for  your  friends,"  continued  Roberts, 
addressing  the  privateer's  men. 

A  few  "  sacres"  and  *'  f s"  was  the  reply,  as  one  of 

them  attempted  to  twitch  his  bundle  out  of  his  hand. — 
"  Hold  fast  there,  old  chap,  don't  take  what  you  never  paid 
for." 

A  scuffle  now  ensued  ;  which  ended  in  Roberts,  who 
found  that  he  could  not  retain  possession,  shying  his  bundle 
at  the  foremost  man,  with  such  force  as  to  lay  him  on  the 
deck. — "  Well,  if  you  will  have  it,  take  it,"  cried  Roberts. 

**  The  beggars  have  chopped  my  fingers,"  growled 
Williams.  **  I  say,  Mounseer,  don't  make  quite  so  free 
with  that  iron  of  yours,  or  I'll  smash  your  top-lights." 

"  I  wish  I  had  three  on  'em  on  Point  Beach,  one  up  and 


84  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

one  down.  Fd  sarve  you  out,  you  d — d  frog-eating  sea- 
cooks  ! "  said  Roberts,  squaring  at  the  privateer's  men  with 
clenched  fists. 

This  obstreperous  conduct  produced  a  shower  of  blows 
with  the  backs  of  the  cutlasses.  Williams,  in  a  rage, 
wrenched  a  cutlass  from  one  of  the  Frenchmen,  and  laid 
about  him ;  while  Roberts,  with  his  fists,  rushed  within 
their  guards,  and  laid  two  of  them  at  his  feet.  At  last  they 
were  overpowered  and  thrown  into  the  boat,  bleeding  pro- 
fusely from  various  cuts  which  they  had  received  in  the 
unequal  scuffle.  The  privateer's  people  then  shoved  off  and 
rowed  on  board  of  the  schooner. 

As  soon  as  Newton  and  the  other  Englishmen  were  up 
the  side,  they  were  pushed  aft ;  their  persons  were  then 
searched,  and  every  part  of  their  apparel,  which  appeared 
to  be  of  good  materials,  or  little  worn,  was  taken  from  them. 
Collins,  the  convict,  was  a  good  prize  ;  he  had  put  on  shirt 
over  shirt,  stocking  over  stocking,  and  trousers  over 
trousers,  that  the  Frenchmen  began  to  wonder  if  ever  they 
should  arrive  at  the  "  inner  man."  At  last,  he  was  uncased, 
an  old  pair  of  trousers  thrown  to  him,  and  he  was  left  with- 
out any  other  garment,  shivering  in  the  cold.  Newton, 
who  still  retained  his  waistcoat  and  shirt,  took  off  the 
former,  and  gave  it  to  the  convict,  who  whispered  as  he 
thanked  him,  "  I  don't  care  a  fig,  they  have  left  me  my  old 
hat."  As  soon  as  the  recapture  was  manned,  the  privateer 
bore  up  for  the  French  coast,  and  before  morning  anchored 
in  the  rocky  harbour  of  Morlaix.  At  daylight,  the  prisoners, 
who  had  received  no  refreshment,  were  handed  into  a  boat, 
and  on  their  landing,  conducted  by  a  party  of  gens  cTarmes 
to  the  prison.  During  their  progress  to  their  place  of  con- 
finement Collins  excited  the  amusement  of  the  bystanders, 
and  the  surprise  of  his  fellow-prisoners,  by  walking  with 
his  hands  and  arms  raised  in  a  certain  position.  After  they 
had  been  locked  up,  he  went  to  the  barred  window,  and 
continued  the  same  gestures  to  the  people  who  were  crowded 
about  the  prison,  most  of  whom  continued  their  mockery. 
Newton,  who  came  forward  to  the  window  to  request  a 


The  Merchant  Service  8$ 

little  v/ater  for  Roberts  and  "Williams,  who  wished  to 
quench  their  thirst  and  wash  their  wounds,  which  had  not 
been  dressed,  inquired  of  Collins  his  reasons  for  so  doing. 
"  It  is  for  your  benefit  as  well  as  mine,"  replied  Collins  j  "at 
least  I  hope  so.     There  are  freemasons  in  all  countries." 

A  few  minutes  afterwards,  one  of  the  people  outside 
came  forward,  and  pointed  out  to  the  sentry  that  the 
prisoners  were  making  signs  for  water.  The  gendarme, 
who  had  paid  no  attention  to  Newton,  listened  to  the 
appeal  of  his  countryman,  who,  upon  the  grounds  of 
common  humanity,  persuaded  him  to  allow  them  such  a 
necessary  boon.  The  water  was  brought,  and,  as  the  man 
walked  away,  a  sign,  unperceived  by  all  but  Collins,  gave 
him  to  understand  that  his  appeal  had  been  under- 
stood. 

**  All's  right,"  said  Collins  to  Newton,  as  he  quitted  the 
grating.  "  We  have  friends  without,  and  we  h2iYe  friends 
within."  In  about  an  hour  some  bread  was  brought  in, 
and  among  those  who  brought  it  Collins  perceived  the 
person  who  had  answered  his  signal ;  but  no  further 
recognition  took  place.  At  noon  the  door  of  the  prison 
was  again  unbarred,  and  a  surgeon  came  to  dress  the 
wounded  men.  He  was  accompanied  by  two  or  three 
others,  deputed  by  the  governor  of  the  town  to  obtain 
intelligence,  and  the  new  acquaintance  of  Collins  appeared 
as  interpreter.  While  the  surgeon  dressed  the  wounds  of 
Roberts  and  Williams,  which,  although  numerous,  were 
none  of  any  importance,  many  questions  were  asked,  and 
taken  down  when  interpreted.  Each  prisoner  was  separ- 
ately interrogated  ;  Collins  was  one  of  the  first  examined. 
The  questions  put  and  answers  given  were  carefully  inter- 
mixed with  more  important  matter.  The  person  who 
acted  as  interpreter  spoke  English  too  well  for  a  French- 
man :  apparently  he  was  a  Dane  or  Russian,  who  was 
domiciliated  there.     He  commenced  with — 

"  No  one  understands  English  but  me — but  they  are 
suspicious  :  be  careful. — What  is  your  name  ?  " 

"  John  Collins." 


86  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"  Comment  ? "  said  the  French  amanuensis,  "  John 
Co — lin.      C est  Men;  continuez.''^ 

*'  What  is  your  rank — and  in  your  Lodge  ?  " 

"  Common  seaman — master"  answered  Collins,  adroitly. 

'*  Comment  ?  "  said  the  party  with  his  pen. 

"  Matelot,"  replied  the  interpreter. 

"  Demandez-lui  le  nom  du  batiment." 

"What  is  the  name  of  your  ship? — how  can  ive  assist 
you  ?  " 

"  Terpsichore — a  boat,  with  provisions*^ 

"  Comment  ?  " 

*'  Fregate  croiseur  Terpsichore,''^ 

"  Does  she  sail  well  ? — at  nvhat  time?" 

"  To  night,  ivith  a  guide," 

"Quedit-il?" 

"  Elle  marche  bien  avec  le  vent  large." 

"  Demandez-lui  la  force." 

"  What  number  of  guns  ? — hoiv  can  you  get  out  f  " 

"  Thirty-six  guns. — I  have  the  means." 

"  Trente-six  canons." 

**  Trente-six  canons,"  repeated  the  Frenchman,  writing ; 
*'  c'est  bien — alors,  I'equipage." 

"  How  many  men  ? — /  ivi/I  be  here  at  dark." 

"  Two  hundred  and  seventy  men ;  but  many  away  in 
prizes." 

"Deux  cents  soixante-dix  hommes-d'equipage  ;  mais  il 
y  a  beaucoup  dans  les  batimens  pris." 

Newton  and  the  others  were  also  interrogated,  the  names 
taken  down,  and  the  parties  then  quitted  the  prison. 

"  Now,  if  we  make  a  push  for  it,  I  think  we  may  get 
off,"  said  Collins  to  Newton  and  the  rest,  after  the  door  had 
closed.  "  I  never  saw  the  prison  in  England  which  could 
hold  me  when  I  felt  inclined  to  walk  out  of  it ;  and  as  for 
their  bars,  I  reckon  them  at  about  an  hour's  work.  I  never 
travel  without  my  little  friends  ;  " — and  Collins,  taking  off 
his  old  hat,  removed  the  lining,  and  produced  a  variety  of 
small  saws  made  from  watch-springs,  files,  and  other  in- 
struments.    "  Then,"  continued  he,  "  with  these,  and  this 


The  Merchant  Service  87 

piece  of  tallow  stuck  outside  my  hat,  I  will  be  through 
those  bars  in  no  time.  French  iron  ar'n't  worth  a  d — n, 
and  the  sentry  sha'n't  hear  me  if  he  lolls  against  them  ; 
although  it  may  be  just  as  well  if  Thompson  tips  us  a 
stave,  as  then  we  may  work  the  faster." 

"  I  say,  Bill,"  observed  Hillson,  "  who  is  your  friend  ?  " 

**  I  don't  know — he  may  be  the  governor  ;  but  this  I 
do  know,  for  the  honour  of  freemasonry,  we  may  trust 
him  and  all  like  him ;  so  just  mind  your  own  business, 
Tom." 

"  He  said  he  would  be  here  at  dark,"  observed  Newton. 

**  Yes, — I  must  prepare — go  to  the  grating,  some  of 
you,  that  they  may  not  look  in  upon  me." 

This  unexpected  prospect  of  deliverance  created  an 
anxious  joy  in  the  breasts  of  the  prisoners ;  the  day  ap- 
peared interminable.  At  last,  the  shades  of  night  set  in, 
and  a  clouded  sky  with  mizzling  rain  raised  their  hopes. 
The  square  in  front  of  the  prison  was  deserted,  and  the 
sentinel  crouched  close  against  the  door,  which  partially 
protected  him  from  the  weather.  In  a  few  minutes  a 
person  was  heard  in  conversation  with  the  sentinel.  **  He 
must  be  coming  now,"  observed  Collins  in  a  low  tone  ; 
**  that  must  be  one  of  his  assistants  who  is  taking  off  the 
attention  of  the  gens  cf  arme.^^ 

"  Make  no  noise,"  said  a  voice  in  a  whisper,  at  the 
outside  of  the  bars. 

"  I  am  here,"  replied  Collins,  softly. 

'*  How  can  you  get  out  of  the  prison  ? " 

"  Get  the  sentry  out  of  the  way  when  we  leave  off 
singing  ;  the  bars  will  then  be  removed." 

"  Everything  is  prepared  outside.  When  you  get  out, 
keep  close  under  the  wall  to  the  right.  I  shall  be  at  the 
corner,  if  I  am  not  here." 

The  freemason  then  retired  from  the  grating. 

"  Now,  Thompson,  not  too  loud,  there's  no  occasion  for 
it ;  two  of  us  can  work." 

Thompson  commenced  his  song ;  Newton  took  a  small 
saw  from  Collins,  who  directed  him  how  to  use  it.     The 


88  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

iron  bars  of  the  prison  yielded  like  wood  to  the  fine- 
tempered  instruments  which  Collins  employed.  In  an 
hour  and  a  half  three  of  the  bars  were  removed  without 
noise,  and  the  aperture  was  wide  enough  for  their  escape. 
The  singing  of  Thompson,  whose  voice  was  tolerably 
good,  and  ear  very  correct,  had  not  only  the  effect  of 
preventing  their  working  being  heard,  but  amused  the 
sentinel,  who  remained  with  his  back  to  the  wall  listening 
to  the  melody. 

Their  work  was  so  far  accomplished.  Thompson 
ceased,  and  all  was  silence  and  anxiety ;  in  a  few  minutes 
the  sentinel  was  again  heard  in  conversation,  and  the 
voices  receded,  as  if  he  had  removed  to  a  greater  distance. 

"  Now,  brother,"  said  the  low  voice  under  the  aperture. 

In  a  minute  the  whole  of  the  prisoners  were  clear  of  the 
walls,  and  followed  their  guide  in  silence,  until  they 
reached  the  landing-place. 

"  There  is  the  boat,  and  provisions  sufficient,"  said  the 
freemason,  in  a  low  tone  ;  *'  you  will  have  to  pass  the 
sentries  on  the  rocks  :  but  we  can  do  no  more  for  you. 
Farewell,  brother  ;  and  may  you  and  your  companions  be 
fortunate  !  "    So  saying,  their  friendly  assistant  disappeared. 

The  night  was  so  dark,  that  although  close  to  the  boat, 
it  was  with  difficulty  that  its  outlines  could  be  discerned. 
Newton,  recommending  the  strictest  silence  and  care  in 
entering,  stepped  into  it,  and  was  followed  by  the  rest. 
Roberts,  whose  eyesight  was  a  little  affected  from  the 
wounds  in  his  head,  stumbled  over  one  of  the  oars. 

"  Qui  vivef  "  cried  out  one  of  the  sentries  on  the  rock. 

No  answer  was  made ;  they  all  remained  motionless  in 
their  seats.  The  sentry  walked  to  the  edge  of  the  rock 
and  looked  down;  but  not  distinguishing  anything,  and 
hearing  no  further  noise,  returned  to  his  post. 

For  some  little  while  Newton  would  not  allow  them  to 
move  :  the  oars  were  then  carefully  lifted  over  the  gunnel, 
and  their  clothes  laid  in  the  rowlocks,  to  muffle  the  sound ; 
the  boat  was  pushed  from  the  landing-place  into  the  middle 
of  the  narrow  inlet.     The  tide  was  ebbing,  and  with  their 


The  Merchant  Service  89 

oars  raised  out  of  the  water,  ready  to  give  way  if  per- 
ceived, they  allowed  the  boat  to  drift  out  of  one  of  the 
narrow  channels  which  formed  the  entrance  of  the 
harbour. 

The  rain  now  beat  down  fast :  and  anxious  to  be  well 
clear  of  the  coast  before  daylight,  Newton  thought  they 
might  venture  to  pull.  The  oars  were  taken  by  him  and 
Collins ;  but  before  they  had  laid  them  three  times  in  the 
water,  one  of  the  sentries,  hearing  the  noise,  discharged 
his  musket  in  the  direction. 

"  Give  way,  now,  as  hard  as  we  can,"  cried  Newton ; 
"  it's  our  only  chance." 

Another  and  another  musket  was  fired.  They  heard 
the  guard  turned  out ;  lights  passing  on  the  batteries 
close  to  them,  and  row-boats  manning.  They  double- 
banked  their  oars,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  the  ebb-tide 
and  obscurity,  they  were  soon  out  of  gun-shot.  They 
then  laid  in  their  oars,  shipped  their  mast,  and  sailed  away 
from  the  coast. 

It  was  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  when  they  started, 
and  at  daylight  the  French  coast  was  not  to  be  seen. 
Overjoyed  at  their  escape,  they  commenced  an  attack  upon 
the  provisions  and  a  small  keg  of  wine  ;  and  perhaps  a 
more  joyful  breakfast  never  was  made.  The  sun  rose 
in  vapour,  the  sky  threatened,  but  they  were  free  and 
happy.  The  wind  freshened,  and  the  boat  flew  before 
the  gale  ;  the  running  seas  topping  over  her  stern  and 
forcing  them  continually  to  bale  her  out ;  but  all  was 
joy,  and  freedom  turned  their  "  danger  to  delight."  They 
passed  several  vessels  at  a  distance,  who  did  not  observe 
them ;  and  before  sunset  the  English  coast  was  in  sight. 
At  ten  o'clock  the  double  lights  on  the  Lizard  were  on 
their  starboard  bow.  They  hauled  up  upon  the  larboard 
tack  with  the  ebb-tide,  and  having  passed  the  Lizard, 
kept  away  for  Mount's  Bay,  to  avoid  the  chance  of  falling 
in  with  any  of  the  king's  vessels,  and  being  again  im- 
pressed. At  daylight  they  ran  in  under  St  Michael's 
Mount,  and  once  more  stepped  upon  EngHsh  ground. 


90  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

Here,  as  by  previous  agreement,  they  divided  the 
provisions,  and  took  farewell  of  each  other. 

"  Good-bye,  gentlemen,"  said  Collins  ;  "  allow  me  to 
observe  that,  for  once,  you  may  think  yourselves  fortunate 
in  having  been  placed  in  my  very  respectable  company  !  " 

Chapter  XIII 

"  Once  more  upon  the  waters." 

Byron. 

As  Newton  had  lost  his  credentials  from  Captain  Northfleet, 
as  well  as  the  vessel  confided  to  his  charge,  he  did  not 
consider  it  necessary  to  pay  his  respects  to  the  port-admiral 
at  Plymouth.  On  the  contrary,  he  set  off,  as  fast  as  his 
legs  would  carry  him,  to  Liverpool,  to  ascertain  the  con- 
dition of  his  father.  We  shall  pass  over  the  difficulties 
he  experienced  on  his  journey.  There  is  no  country 
where  travelling  is  more  easy  or  more  rapid  than  in 
England,  provided  that  you  have  plenty  of  money  ;  but 
when  you  travel  in  forma  pauperis,  there  is  no  country  in 
which  you  get  on  so  badly.  Parish  rates  and  poor  laws 
have  dried  up  the  sources  of  benevolence ;  and  as  Newton 
did  not  apply  to  the  overseers  for  his  three-halfpence  a 
mile,  he  got  on  how  he  could,  which  was  badly  enough. 
When  at  last  he  did  arrive  at  Liverpool,  he  found  himself 
a  stone  or  two  the  lighter,  and  would  have  been  pro- 
nounced by  Captain  Barclay  to  have  been  in  excellent 
training. 

Newton  had  written  to  his  father,  acquainting  him  with 
his  impressment ;  but  was  doubtful  whether  the  letter 
had  ever  been  received,  as  it  had  been  confided  to  the 
care  of  one  of  the  women  who  left  the  frigate  the  evening 
previous  to  her  sailing.  When  he  arrived  at  the  house 
he  perceived  his  father  at  his  bench  as  usual,  but  doing 
nothing,  and  the  shop  windows  were  bare. 

Newton  entered,  and  his  father  looked  up. 

**  Why,   Newton,    my    dear    boy,   is    it   you  ? "   cried 


The  Merchant  Service  91 

Nicholas ;  "  what  a  long  while  you  have  been  away  ! 
Well,  how  is  Mr  Hilton  ? — and  how  is  your  poor  mother?" 

"  My  dear  father,"  replied  Newton,  taking  his  hand, 
**  did  not  you  receive  my  letter  ? " 

"  No,  I  received  no  letter.  What  a  time  you  have 
been  away  ;  I  declare  it  must  be  two  or  three  months, 
or  more." 

**  It  is  nearly  twelve  months,  my  dear  father  :  I  was 
pressed  at  Bristol,  have  been  on  board  of  a  man-of-war, 
and  have  just  escaped  from  a  French  prison." 

Newton  then  entered  into  a  narrative  of  his  adventures, 
to  the  astonishment  of  Nicholas,  who  heard  him  with  open 
mouth. 

"  Dear  me !  so  you've  been  in  a  man-of-war,  and  in 
France  ;  then  you  don't  know  how  your  poor  mother  is  ?  " 

**  Have  you  not  inquired,  my  dear  father  ?  " 

"  No,  I  thought  you  would  come  home,  and  tell  me  all 
about  it,"  replied  Nicholas,  with  a  sigh. 

"  How  have  you  got  on  here  ? "  said  Newton,  to  change 
the  conversation. 

"Very  bad  indeed,  Newton, — very  bad  indeed  j  I  have 
not  had  six  jobs  since  you  left  me." 

**I  am  sorry  to  hear  it,  father;  have  you  anything  to 
eat  in  the  house,  for  I  am  very  hungry  ? " 

**  I  am  afraid  not  much,"  replied  Nicholas,  going  to  the 
cupboard,  and  producing  some  bread  and  cheese.  "  Can 
you  eat  bread  and  cheese,  my  dear  boy  ? " 

"  I  could  eat  a  horse,  my  dear  father,"  replied  Newton, 
who  had  walked  the  last  twelve  hours  without  sustenance. 

Newton  attacked  the  provender,  which  soon  disappeared. 

"I  have  been  obliged  to  sell  most  of  the  shop  furniture," 
said  Nicholas,  observing  Newton  to  cast  his  eyes  at  the 
empty  window.  *' I  could  not  help  it.  I  believe  nobody 
wears  spectacles  in  Liverpool." 

"It  can't  be  helped,  father;  we  must  hope  for  better 
times." 

"  Yes,  we  must  trust  in  God,  Newton.  I  sold  my 
watch  yesterday,  and  that  will  feed  us  for  some  time.     A 


92  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

sailor  came  into  the  shop,  and  asked  if  I  had  any  watches 
to  sell :  I  told  him  that  I  only  repaired  them  at  present ; 

but  that  when  my  improvement  in  the  duplex "     Here 

Nicholas  forgot  the  thread  of  his  narrative,  and  was  com- 
mencing a  calculation  upon  his  intended  improvement, 
when  Newton  interrupted  him. 

"  Well,  sir,  what  did  the  sailor  reply  ?  " 
"  Oh !  I  forgot ;  I  told  him  that  I  had  a  watch  of  my 
own  that  I  would  part'  with,  which  went  very  well ;  and 
that  it  would  be  cheaper  to  him  than  a  new  one ;  that  it 
cost  fifteen  pounds  ;  but  I  was  in  want  of  money,  and 
would  take  five  pounds  for  it.  He  saw  how  sorry  I  was 
to  part  with  it — and  so  I  was."  Here  Nicholas  thought  of 
his  watch,  and  forgot  his  story. 

**Well,  my  dear  father,"  said  Newton,  **what  did  he 
give  you  for  it  ? " 

"  Oh ! — why,  he  was  a  kind,  good  creature,  and  said 
that  he  was  not  the  man  to  take  advantage  of  a  poor  devil 
in  distress,  and  that  I  should  have  the  full  value  of  it.  He 
put  the  watch  in  his  fob  and  counted  out  fifteen  pounds  on 
the  counter.  I  wanted  to  return  part :  but  he  walked  out 
of  the  shop,  and  before  I  could  get  round  the  counter,  he 
had  got  round  the  corner  of  the  street." 

'^  'Twas  a  God-send,  my  dear  father,"  replied  Newton, 
"  for  I  have  not  a  halfpenny.  Do  you  know  what  became 
of  my  chest,  that  I  left  on  board  of  the  sloop  ?  " 

"  Dear  me  !  now  I  think  of  it,  it  came  here  by  the 
waggon.  I  put  it  upstairs.  I  wondered  why  you  sent  it." 
Newton  having  appeased  his  hunger,  went  upstairs,  and 
found  all  his  wearing  apparel  had  been  forwarded  by  Mr 
Hilton,  who  supposed  him  dead,  and  that  he  was  enabled 
to  make  a  more  respectable  appearance  than  what  the 
privateer's  people  had  hitherto  permitted  him.  In  a  few 
days  he  felt  quite  recovered  from  his  fatigue,  and  sallied 
forth  in  search  of  employment.  On  the  day  after  his 
arrival  at  Liverpool  he  had  written  to  the  asylum,  to  inquire 
the  fate  of  his  mother.  The  answer  which  he  received 
was,  that  Mrs  Forster  had  recovered,  and  remained  many 


,*M'\l' 


1  ^  ^^^^^L\     ' 


The  Merchant  Service  93 

months  in  the  establishment  as  nurse  ;  but  that  ten  days 
back  she  had  quitted  the  asylum,  and  that  her  address 
was  not  known. 

Newton,  who  had  no  means  of  prosecuting  further 
inquiry,  was  obliged  to  be  satisfied  with  the  intelligence 
that  his  mother  was  alive  and  well.  He  communicated  the 
information  to  Nicholas,  who  observed : 

"Poor  thing!  she's  looking  for  us,  depend  upon  it, 
Newton,  and  will  be  here  very  soon : "  and  this  expecta- 
tion was  revived  whenever  Nicholas  thought  of  his  wife ; 
and  he  continued  satisfied. 

We  must  allow  many  months  to  pass  away  in  one 
paragraph — months  of  ineffectual  struggle  against  poverty 
and  want  of  employment,  which  Newton  made  every 
exertion  to  obtain  as  mate  of  a  merchant  vessel.  The  way 
in  which  he  had  been  impressed  had  caused  a  dread  of  the 
king's  service,  which  he  could  not  overcome;  and  although 
he  had  but  to  choose  his  ship  as  a  sailor  before  the  mast, 
he  could  not  prevail  upon  himself  to  accept  a  berth  which 
was  not  protected  from  the  impress.  "Without  recom- 
mendation he  could  not  obtain  the  situation  of  mate,  and 
he  continued  to  work  as  a  rigger  in  the  docks,  until  his 
hand  was  unfortunately  severely  jammed  by  the  heel  of  a 
topmast,  and  he  was  laid  up  for  many  weeks.  Each  day 
their  fare  became  scantier,  and  they  were  reduced  to  their 
last  shilling,  when  Newton  was  again  able  to  go  out  and 
seek  employment. 

It  was  a  rough  day,  blowing  hard  from  the  S.E.,  when 
Newton,  who  had  tried  his  fortune  on  board  of  every 
vessel  (crowded  as  they  were  in  the  docks)  without  success, 
walked  in  a  melancholy  and  disappointed  mood  along  the 
splendid  pier  which  lines  the  river-side.  Few  people  were 
out,  for  the  gusts  of  wind  were  accompanied  by  smart 
driving  showers  of  rain.  Here  and  there  was  to  be  seen  a 
boat  pulling  up  inshore  to  fetch  the  shipping  in  the  stream, 
who  with  a  heavy  strain  on  their  cables  were  riding  to  the 
S.E.  gale,  and  a  strong  ebb-tide.  Newton  had  made  up 
his  mind  to  enter  on  board  of  one  of  these  vessels  about  to 


94  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

sail,  provided  they  would  advance  him  a  part  of  his  wages 
for  his  father's  support ;  when,  as  a  heavy  squall  cleared 
away,  he  perceived  that  a  boat  had  broken  adrift  from  the 
outermost  vessel  (a  large  brig),  with  only  one  man  in  it, 
who  was  carried  away  by  the  rapid  current,  assisted  by 
the  gale  blowing  down  the  river,  so  as  to  place  him  in 
considerable  risk.  The  man  in  the  boat  tossed  out  his  oar, 
and  pulling  first  on  one  side,  and  then  on  the  other,  tried 
to  make  for  the  shore  j  but  in  vain.  He  was  swept  away 
with  a  rapidity  which  threatened  in  less  than  an  hour  to 
carry  him  out  to  sea,  unless  assistance  were  afforded  him. 

Another  heavy  squall  again  hid  the  boat  from  the  sight 
of  Newton,  who  had  been  anxiously  watching  to  ascertain 
if  any  relief  was  sent  from  the  shipping,  and  who  was  now 
convinced  that  the  disaster  had  not  been  perceived.  He 
therefore  ran  down  the  bank  of  the  river,  waiting  until 
the  squall  should  blow  over,  and  enable  him  to  discover 
the  boat. 

In  about  ten  minutes  the  squall  passed  over,  and  the 
boat  was  again  presented  to  his  sight  ;  she  was  still  in  the 
centre  of  the  stream,  about  three  hundred  yards  from  the 
shore.  The  man  who  was  in  her,  finding  all  his  attempts 
futile,  had  lain  on  his  oar,  and  was  kneeling  in  the  stern- 
sheets,  apparently  in  supplication.  Newton  could  not 
resist  the  appeal ;  it  appeared  to  point  out  to  him  that  he 
was  summoned  to  answer  the  call  made  upon  Providence. 
The  boat  was  now  a  quarter  of  a  mile  further  down  the  river 
than  where  he  stood,  and  about  three  miles  from  the  town 
and  shipping,  both  of  which  were  no  longer  discernible 
from  the  thickness  of  the  weather.  Newton  threw  off  his 
coat,  and  plunging  into  the  agitated  water,  the  cold  of 
which  nearly  checked  his  respiration,  swam  off  into  the 
stream  in  a  direction  so  as  to  allow  himself  to  fetch  to 
windward  of  the  boat.  He  was  soon  carried  down  to  it  by 
the  rapidity  of  the  tide,  and,  as  he  approached,  he  shouted 
to  announce  his  presence.  The  man  in  the  boat  started  up 
at  the  sound  of  a  human  voice,  and  perceiving  Newton 
close   to    the  bows,  leant   over   and    extended   his   hand 


The  Merchant  Service  95 

towards  him.  Newton  seized  hold  of  it,  and  then  was 
whirled  round  by  the  tide  fore  and  aft  with  the  side  of  the 
boat,  with  such  violence  as  nearly  to  drag  the  other  man 
out,  and  half  fill  the  boat  with  water.  It  was  with  great 
difficulty,  although  assisted  by  the  occupant,  that  Newton 
contrived  at  last  to  get  in  ;  when,  exhausted  with  the 
efforts  he  had  made,  he  remained  a  few  seconds  without 
motion  ;  the  man,  whom  he  had  thus  risked  his  life  to  save, 
perceiving  his  condition,  and  not  speaking  to  him. 

**  We  have  no  time  to  lose,"  said  Newton,  at  last : 
**  take  an  oar,  and  let  us  pull  in  for  the  shore.  If  once 
we  are  swept  down  to  the  narrows  there  will  be  little 
chance  for  us." 

The  other  complied,  without  speaking ;  and,  after  a  few 
minutes'  exertion,  the  boat  was  safely  landed  on  the 
Liverpool  side  of  the  river 

"  The  Lord  be  praised ! "  ejaculated  Newton's  com- 
panion, as  he  laid  on  his  oar.  "  I  did  not  call  upon  Hifn 
in  vain  ;  your  accident  has  been  the  means  of  my  preserva- 
tion." 

"  How  do  you  mean  ? "  inquired  Newton. 

"  Why,  did  you  not  fall  overboard  ?  "  replied  the  other. 

Newton  then  explained  to  his  companion  what  we  have 
already  related  to  the  reader,  ending  his  narrative  with  the 
observation,  that  when  he  perceived  him  praying  for  assist- 
ance in  his  peril,  he  could  not  resist  the  appeal. 

"  God  will  reward  you,  young  man,"  continued  he  : 
"  and  now  I  will  explain  to  you  how  it  was  that  I 
was  adrift,  like  a  bear  in  a  washing-tub.  My  first 
mate  was  below.  I  had  just  relieved  the  deck,  for  in  this 
blowing  weather  we  must  keep  w^atch  in  harbour.  The 
men  were  all  at  their  dinner,  when  I  heard  the  boat 
thumping  under  the  main  channels.  I  got  into  her  to  ease 
off  a  fathom  or  two  of  the  painter  ;  but  as  I  hauled  her 
ahead  to  get  at  the  bend,  it  api  ears  that  the  monkey  of  a 
boy  who  made  her  fast,  and  has  been  but  a  few  months  at 
sea,  had  made  a  *  slippery  hitch,''  so  away  it  went,  and  I  was 
adrift.     I  hailed  them  on  board  ;  but  they  did  not  hear  me. 


g6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

although  the  first  mate  might  have,  for  he  was  in  the  cabin, 
and  the  stern-window  was  up  ;  but  hailing  to  windward  is 
hard  work,  such  weather  as  this  ;  the  words  are  blown 
back  again  down  your  own  throat.  And  now,  let  me 
know  a  little  about  you,  my  lad,  and  see  whether  I  cannot 
in  return  be  of  some  use  to  you." 

Newton's  history  was  soon  told  ;  and,  at  the  conclusion, 
he  had  the  satisfaction  of  finding  that  he  had  obtained  the 
very  situation  which  he  had  been  in  search  of. 

"  I  have  no  second  mate  on  board,"  observed  the  captain 
of  the  brig;  '*  but  I  intended  to  have  shipped  one  to- 
morrow. I  was  only  divided  between  which  to  take  of 
two  who  have  offered  themselves,  with  equally  good 
recommendations.  Fortunately,  I  would  promise  neither  ; 
and,  as  I  think  your  own  recommendation  stronger  than 
theirs,  the  berth  is  at  your  service.  I  only  wish,  for 
your  sake,  that  it  was  that  of  first  mate.  I  am  sure  you 
would  prove  yourself  fit  for  the  situation ;  and  I  cannot 
say  that  I  am  very  partial  to  the  one  that  I  have  at 
present ;  but  he  is  a  relation  of  the  owner." 

The  arrangements  were  soon  made.  Mr  Berecroft,  the 
master  of  the  vessel,  advanced  Newton  a  sum  to  fit  him- 
self out,  and  agreed  with  the  owner  at  Liverpool  that 
one-half  of  Newton's  wages  should  be  allotted  monthly 
to  his  father.  The  next  morning,  as  the  vessel  had  a 
pilot  on  board,  and  the  weather  had  moderated,  Newton 
took  leave  of  his  father,  and  with  a  light  heart  accom- 
panied his  new  acquaintance  on  board  of  the  vessel. 

It  was  early  in  the  morning  when  they  embarked  in  a 
hired  boat, — the  one  belonging  to  the  brig  still  remaining 
down  the  river,  where  they  had  landed.  The  first  mate, 
as  it  appeared,  was  in  the  cabin  shaving  himself,  previous 
to  his  going  on  shore  to  the  owner  to  report  the  supposed 
loss  of  his  superior.  The  sailors  were  either  busy  or 
down  below,  so  that  no  notice  was  taken  of  the  boat 
coming  alongside ;  and  Newton,  with  the  master,  were 
both  on  deck  before  the  circumstance  was  known  to  the 
first  mate.     It  so  happened,  that  at  the  very  same  moment 


The  Merchant  Service  97 

that  they  came  on  board,  the  first  mate  was  ascending  the 
companion  hatch,  to  order  a  boat  to  be  lowered  down 
and  manned.  When  he  perceived  Mr  Berecroft,  he  fell 
back  with  astonishment,  and  turned  pale. 

"  I  thought  you  were  gone,"  said  he :  "  why,  what 
could  have  saved  you  ?  did  you  not  drift  out  to  sea  ? " 

"  It  appears,  then,  Mr  Jackson,  that  you  knew  that  I 
was  adrift,"  replied  the  master,  seriously,  looking  him 
steadfastly  in  the  face. 

"  That  is," — replied  the  mate,  confused — "  I  thought 
— of  course,  seeing  the  boat  was  not  alongside — that  you 
had  drifted  away  in  her  :  how  it  happened — of  course, 
I  know  not." 

"  I  should  trust,  for  your  conscience'  sake,  Mr  Jackson, 
that  you  did  not  j  however,  here  I  am  again,  as  you  see, 
by  the  blessing  of  Providence,  and  the  exertions  of  this 
young  man,  whom  I  must  introduce  to  you  as  our  second 
mate." 

Jackson  cast  an  angry  glance  at  Newton  upon  the  con- 
clusion of  this  speech.  The  master  had  truly  observed 
that  it  was  strange  the  first  mate  did  not  hear  him  when 
he  had  hailed  the  brig  for  assistance.  The  fact  was,  that 
Jackson  had  both  heard  him  and  seen  him ;  but  he  was  a 
wretch  devoid  of  all  feeling,  who  consulted  nothing  except 
his  own  interest.  He  had  made  sure  that  the  master 
would  be  carried  out  to  sea,  there  to  perish  by  a  most 
miserable  death,  and  that  he  would  succeed  in  command 
of  the  vessel.  He  was  then  going  on  shore  to  report  the 
supposed  ''''falling  overboard''''  of  the  master :  which,  as  the 
brig  was  to  sail  as  soon  as  the  weather  moderated,  would 
have  secured  to  him  the  command,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
have  put  an  end  to  the  search  which  (should  he  have 
reported  the  truth)  would  immediately  have  taken  place 
for  the  boat  in  which  the  master  had  been  adrift.  Foiled 
in  his  hopes,  by  the  courage  of  Newton,  Jackson  had 
already  formed  towards  him  a  deadly  hatred  and  deter- 
mination of  revenge. 

That  evening  the  wind  abated,  and   the  vessel  sailed. 

F  G 


98  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

The  ensuing  morning  she  was  clear  of  the  sands,  and 
a  pilot-vessel  off  Holyhead  having  received  the  pilot,  she 
steered  down  the  Irish  Channel  to  join  a  convoy  for  the 
West  Indies,  collecting  at  Falmouth. 

Mr  Berecroft,  the  master  of  the  vessel,  who  has  not 
hitherto  been  described,  was  a  spare,  light-built  person,  of 
about  sixty  years  of  age,  still  active,  and  a  thorough  sea- 
man. He  had  crossed  the  ocean  for  forty-five  years,  and 
his  occasional  narratives,  as  he  walked  the  deck,  or  sat  over 
his  evening  glass  of  grog,  proved  that  his  life  must  have 
been  one  of  no  ordinary  variety  and  interest.  He  was 
serious  and  rationally  devout.  He  checked  all  swearing 
from  the  men  under  his  command,  and  rebuked  it,  although 
he  could  not  prevent  it,  in  the  first  mate  ;  who,  to  annoy 
him,  seldom  made  his  appearance  on  deck  without  making 
use  of  some  execration  or  another.  It  was  Mr  Berecroft's 
custom  to  call  down  the  seamen  into  his  cabin  every  even- 
ing, and  read  to  them  a  short  prayer  ;  and,  although  this 
unusual  ceremony  often  caused  a  leer  in  some  of  the  newly- 
entered  men,  and  was  not  only  unattended  but  ridiculed  by 
Jackson,  still  the  whole  conduct  of  Berecroft  was  so  com- 
pletely in  unison,  that  even  the  most  idle  and  thoughtless 
acknowledged  that  he  was  a  good  man,  and  quitted  the 
ship  with  regret.  Such  was  Mr  Berecroft ;  and  we  have 
little  further  to  add,  except  that  he  was  very  superior  to 
the  generality  of  masters  of  merchant  vessels.  His  family, 
it  was  reported,  were  strict  Quakers. 

Jackson,  the  first  mate,  was  a  bull-headed,  sandy-haired 
Northumbrian  ;  as  we  before  stated,  a  relation  of  the 
owner's,  or  he  never  would  have  been  permitted  to  remain 
in  the  ship.  The  reader  has  already  had  some  insight  into 
his  diabolical  character.  It  will  be  sufficient  to  add,  that 
he  was  coarse  and  blustering  in  his  manners  ;  that  he  never 
forgot  and  never  forgave  an  injury ;  gratitude  was  not  in 
his  composition  ;  and,  to  gratify  his  revenge,  he  would  stop 
at  nothing. 

On  the  third  day,  the  brig,  which  was  named  the  Eliza 
and  Jane,  after  the  two  daughters  of  the  owner,  arrived  at 


The  Merchant  Service  99 

Falmouth,  where  she  anchored  in  the  outer  roads,  in  com- 
pany with  thirty  or  forty  more,  who  had  assembled  at  the 
appointed  rendezvous.  On  the  second  day  after  their 
arrival,  a  fifty-gun  ship,  frigate,  and  two  corvettes,  made 
their  appearance  off  the  mouth  of  the  harbour  ;  and  after  a 
due  proportion  of  guns,  some  shotted  and  some  not,  the 
whole  convoy  were  under  weigh,  and  hove-to  round  their 
protectors.  The  first  step  taken  by  the  latter  was  to  dis- 
embarrass their  proteges  of  one-third  of  their  crews,  leaving 
them  as  defenceless  as  possible,  that  they  might  not  confide 
in  their  own  strength,  but  put  their  whole  trust  in  the 
men-of-war,  and  keep  as  close  to  them  as  possible.  Having 
taken  out  every  unprotected  man,  they  distributed  convoy 
signals  in  lieu,  and  half  a  dozen  more  guns  announced  that 
they  were  to  make  sail — an  order  immediately  complied 
with  :  the  merchant  vessels,  loaded  with  canvas  below  and 
aloft,  while  the  men-of-war,  with  their  topsails  on  the  caps, 
sailed  round  and  round  them,  firing  shot  at  every  unfor- 
tunate vessel  which  was  not  able  to  sail  as  well  as  the 
rest. 

The  convoy  left  Falmouth,  seventy-five  in  number  but 
in  a  few  days  there  were  but  forty  in  sight.  Those  who 
remained  behind  either  made  their  voyage  how  they  could, 
or  were  taken  by  the  enemy's  privateers,  who  followed  in 
the  wake  of  the  convoy.  Some  few  were  carried  into  the 
French  ports  -,  and  the  underwriters  of  the  policy  ate  but 
little  dinner  on  the  day  which  brought  the  intelligence 
of  their  capture.  Others  were  retaken  by  the  English 
blockading  squadrons,  who  received  then  one-eighth  for 
salvage.  At  last  the  men-of-war  were  fairly  running  down 
the  traders,  with  about  twenty-five  of  the  best  sailers  in 
company  :  and  the  commodore  deemed  it  advisable  to  take 
particular  care  of  the  few  which  remained,  lest  he  should 
be  *'  hauled  over  the  coals  "  by  the  Admiralty.  Nothing 
worth  comment  occurred  during  the  remainder  of  the 
passage.  They  all  arrived  safe  at  Barbadoes,  when  the 
commodore  brought  in  his  returns  to  the  admiral,  and 
complained  bitterly  of  the  obstinacy  of  the   masters  of 


loo  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

merchant  vessels,  who  would  part  company  with  him,  in 
defiance  of  all  his  injunctions,  and  in  spite  of  all  the  powder 
which  he  fired  away  to  enforce  his  signals.  There  cer- 
tainly was  a  fault  somewhere. 

During  the  passage,  which  lasted  seven  weeks,  Newton 
had  ample  opportunity  of  ascertaining  his  situation.  The 
master  invariably  treated  him  with  kindness  and  considera- 
tion J  and  before  the  voyage  was  completed,  he  treated  him 
as  if  he  were  his  own  son.  Jackson  lost  no  opportunity  of 
annoying  or  insulting  him ;  but  the  support  of  his  patron 
indemnified  Newton  for  the  conduct  of  the  first  mate,  and 
he  resolved  to  take  no  notice  of  that  which  could  not  well 
be  prevented.  On  their  arrival  at  Barbadoes,  Mr  Berecroft 
went  on  shore  to  the  house  of  the  consignee  ;  and  then  it 
was  that  the  malignity  of  Jackson  broke  out  in  all  its 
violence. 

The  brig  had  discharged  her  cargo,  and  was  lying  in 
Carlisle  Bay,  waiting  for  the  sugars  which  were  to  be 
shipped  for  Liverpool.  One  morning,  when  Newton,  who 
for  some  time  had  submitted  to  the  tyranny  of  Jackson 
without  complaint,  was  standing  at  the  main  hatchway, 
giving  directions  to  the  men  below,  who  were  arranging 
the  dunnage  at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  the  first  mate 
came  on  deck,  and  watching  his  opportunity,  staggered, 
with  a  rope  in  his  hand,  against  Newton,  as  if  by  accident, 
so  as  to  throw  him  over  the  coombings.  Newton,  who 
would  have  immediately  fallen  to  the  bottom  of  the  hold 
upon  the  ballast  at  the  risk  of  his  life,  suddenly  seized 
hold  of  the  first  mate,  not  in  sufficient  time  to  recover  his 
own  balance,  but  so  firmly  as  to  drag  Jackson  with  him; 
and  down  they  were  both  precipitated  together.  The 
first  mate,  having  hold  of  one  of  the  ropes  leading  down 
the  mainmast,  clung  fast  to  save  himself,  and  in  so  doing 
also  broke  the  fall  of  Newton  ;  but  the  weight  of  their 
bodies  dragged  the  rope  through  Jackson's  hands,  which 
were  lacerated  to  the  bone.  Neither  party  was  much  hurt 
by  the  fall;  so  that  the  treachery  of  Jackson  recoiled  upon 
himself. 


The  Merchant  Service  loi 

After  this  specimen  of  animosity,  which  was  duly 
reported  to  Mr  Berecroft,  on  his  return  on  board,  by  the 
seamen,  who  detested  Jackson  and  anything  like  foul 
play,  his  protector  determined  that  Newton  should  no 
longer  be  subjected  to  further  violence.  At  the  request 
of  Mr  Berecroft,  Newton  was  invited  to  stay  at  the  house 
of  Mr  Kingston,  the  gentleman  to  whom  the  vessel  had 
been  consigned — an  offer  which  was  gladly  accepted. 

Newton  had  not  been  many  days  on  shore,  when  Mr 
Kingston,  who  had  taken  a  strong  interest  in  him,  proposed, 
in  answer  to  many  of  his  questions  relative  to  the  slave- 
trade,  that  they  should  make  a  party  to  visit  a  plantation, 
the  proprietor  of  which  had  been  a  resident  since  his 
youth,  and  judge  for  himself  as  to  the  truth  of  the  reports 
so  industriously  circulated  by  those  who  were  so  inimical 
to  the  employment  of  a  slave  population. 


Chapter  XIV 

"  Aboan. — The  innocent ! 
Oroonoio. — These  men  are  so,  whom  you  would  rise  against- 
If  we  are  slaves,  they  did  not  make  us  slaves, 
But  bought  us  in  the  honest  way  of  trade, 
As  we  have  done  before  'em,  bought  and  sold 
Many  a  wretch,  and  never  thought  it  wrong. 
They  paid  our  price  for  us,  and  we  are  now 
Their  property,  a  part  of  their  estate, 
To  manage  as  they  please." 

At  an  early  hour  the  party,  consisting  of  Mr  Kingston, 
the  master  of  the  brig,  and  Newton,  set  off  upon  mules 
for  the  habitation  of  the  planter.  The  sun  had  illumined 
the  sky,  but  had  not  yet  made  his  appearance,  although 
the  golden  fringes  upon  the  clouds,  which  floated  in  broad 
belts  in  the  horizon,  indicated  his  glorious  yet  withering 
approach.  The  dew  moistened  each  leaf,  or  hung  in 
glittering  pendant  drops  upon  the  thorn  of  the  prickly 
pears   which   lined  the   roads.     The   web   of  the   silver- 


I02  Newton  Forster;  or, 

banded  spider  was  extended  between  the  bushes,  and, 
saturated  with  moisture,  reflected  the  beams  of  the  rising 
orb,  as  the  animals  danced  in  the  centre,  to  dazzle  their 
expected  prey.  The  mist  still  hovered  on  the  valleys,  and 
concealed  a  part  of  the  landscape  from  their  view;  and 
the  occasional  sound  of  the  fall  of  water  was  mingled  with 
the  twittering  and  chirping  of  the  birds,  as  they  flew  from 
spray  to  spray.  The  air  was  fresh,  even  to  keenness,  and 
anyone  suddenly  wafted  to  the  scene  would  little  have 
imagined  that  he  was  under  the  torrid  zone. 

"  How  different  this  is  from  the  ideas  generally  formed 
of  the  climate  in  the  West  Indies  ! "  observed  Newton. 
*'  In  England,  we  couple  it  with  unsufFerable  heat  and  the 
yellow  fever." 

"  Your  reports  are  from  those  who  seldom  leave  the 
harbours  or  towns,  where  such  indeed  prevail,"  replied 
Kingston.  "  There  is  no  island  in  the  Caribbean  Sea 
where  the  early  riser  may  not  enjoy  this  delightful,  bracing 
atmosphere.  At  Jamaica  in  particular,  where  they  collect 
as  much  snow  as  they  please  in  the  mountains ;  yet,  at  the 
same  time,  there  is  not  a  more  fatal  and  unhealthy  spot 
than  Port  Royal  harbour,  in  the  same  island." 

"  Is  the  plantation  we  are  going  to  situated  as  high 
above  the  level  of  the  sea  as  we  are  now  ?  " 

"  No  ;  most  plantations  are  in  the  ravines,  between  the 
hills.  The  sugar-cane  requires  heat.  As  sooa,as  we  are 
on  the  summit  of  this  next  hill  we  shall  descend  to  it." 

In  half  an  hour  they  arrived  at  the  end  of  their  journey, 
when  they  stopped  at  an  extensive  range  of  low  buildings, 
situated  at  the  head  of  the  valley,  which  descended  to  the 
sea, — now  for  the  first  time  presented  to  their  view  since 
they  had  quitted  Bridgetown.  The  owner  of  the  estate 
was  at  the  door  to  receive  them.  He  was  a  tall,  spare 
man,  dressed  in  nankeen  jacket  and  trousers,  with  a  large- 
brimmed  straw  hat  upon  his  head. 

"Welcome,  gentlemen,  welcome.  Kingston,  how  are 
you  ?  "  said  he,  as  they  stopped.  "  Now  dismount,  gentle- 
men ;   the  boys  will  take  the   mules.      Boy  Jack,  where 


The  Merchant  Service  103 

are  you  ?  Where's  Baby,  and  where's  Bulky  ?  .  Come 
here,  you  lazy  rascals,  and  take  the  mules.  Now  then, 
gentlemen,  I'll  show  you  the  way.  I  ordered  breakfast 
on  the  table,  as  I  saw  you  coming  down  the  hill." 

So  saying,  the  old  gentleman  led  the  way  through  a 
portico.  At  the  sight  of  strangers,  the  windows  under- 
neath were  crowded  with  faces  of  various  degrees  of 
colour — eyes  and  mouths  wide  open,  the  latter  displaying 
rows  of  teeth,  so  even  and  so  brilliantly  white,  that  they 
might  cause  a  sensation  of  envy  to  many  an  English  belle. 

The  party  were  ushered  into  a  spacious  and  cool  apart- 
ment on  the  ground-floor,  where  a  table  was  covered  with 
all  the  varieties  of  a  tropical  breakfast,  consisting  of  fried 
fish,  curries,  devilled  poultry,  salt  meats,  and  everything 
which  could  tend  to  stimulate  an  enfeebled  appetite. 

"  Now,  gentlemen,  let  me  recommend  you  to  take  a 
white  jacket ;  you'll  be  more  at  your  ease,  and  there  is 
no  ceremony  here.  Boy  Jack,  where's  the  sangoree  ? 
This  is  a  fine  climate,  Captain  Berecroft ;  all  you  have 
to  attend  to  is — to  be  temperate,  and  not  to  check  the 
perspiration." 

Boy  Jack  who,  par  parenthese^  was  a  stout,  well-looking 
negro,  of  about  forty  years  of  age,  now  made  his  appear- 
ance with  the  sangoree.  This  was  a  beverage  composed 
of  half  a  bottle  of  brandy  and  two  bottles  of  Madeira,  to 
which  were  added  a  proportion  of  sugar,  lime-juice,  and 
nutmeg,  with  water  ad  lib.  It  was  contained  in  a  glass 
bowl,  capable  of  holding  two  gallons,  standing  upon  a 
single  stalk,  and  bearing  the  appearance  of  a  Brobdingnag 
rummer.  Boy  Jack  brought  it  with  both  hands,  and 
placed  it  before  his  master. 

**  Now,  sir,  will  you  drink  ? "  said  the  planter,  addressing 
Mr  Berecroft. 

*' Thank  you,"  replied  Mr  Berecroft,  ''I  never  drink  so 
early  in  the  morning." 

"Drink!  why  this  is  nothing  but  sivizzle.  Here's 
your  health,  sir,  I'll  show  you  the  way." 

The  large  goblet  was  fixed  to  his  lips  for  upwards  of 


1 04  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

a  minute :  at  last  they  unwillingly  separated,  and  the  old 
planter  recovered  his  respiration  with  a  deep  sigh.  "  Now 
then,  gentlemen,  do  you  take  a  little;  don't  be  afraid; 
there's  nothing  you  mayn't  do  in  this  climate,  only  be 
temperate,  and  don't  check  the  perspiration."  At  this 
moment  Newton  was  startled,  and  looked  under  the 
table. 

"  I  thought  it  was  a  dog,  but  it's  a  little  black  child." 

**  Oh  !  there's  one  out,  is  there  ?  Why,  Boy  Jack,  did 
I  not  tell  you  to  shut  them  all  in  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sar,  so  I  did,"  said  the  black  man,  looking  under 
the  table.  "  Eh  ! — it's  that  d — d  little  nigger — two-year 
old  Sambo — no  possible  keeping  him  in,  sar. — Come  out, 
Sambo." 

The  child  crawled  out  to  his  master,  and  climbed  up 
by  his  knee :  the  old  planter  patted  his  woolly  head,  and 
gave  him  a  piece  of  grilled  turkey,  with  which  he  im- 
mediately dived  again  under  the  table. 

"  The  fact  is,  captain,  they  are  accustomed  to  come  in 
at  breakfast-time ;  they  are  only  shut  out  to-day  because 
I  have  company.  That  door  behind  me  leads  into  the 
nursery-yard." 

**  The  nursery-yard  !  " 

"  Yes,  I'll  show  it  you  by-and-bye ;  there's  plenty  of 
them  there." 

"  Oh,  pray  let  us  have  them  in — I  wish  to  see  them, 
and  should  be  sorry  to  be  the  cause  of  their  being  dis- 
appointed." 

*'  Open  the  door.  Boy  Jack."  As  soon  as  it  was  open, 
about  twenty  black  children,  from  seven  to  three  years 
old,  most  of  them  naked,  with  their  ivory  skins  like  a 
polished  table,  and  quite  pot-bellied  from  good  living, 
tumbled  into  the  room,  to  the  great  amusement  of  Newton 
and  the  party.  They  were  followed  by  seven  or  eight 
more,  who  were  not  yet  old  enough  to  walk ;  but  they 
crawled  upon  all-fours  almost  as  fast  as  the  others  who 
could  walk  erect  after  the  image  of  their  Maker. 

The  company  amused  themselves  with  distributing  to 


The  Merchant  Service  105 

the  children  the  contents  of  the  dishes  on  the  table — the 
elder  ones  nestling  alongside  of  the  planter  and  his  friends 
with  the  greatest  familiarity,  while  the  younger  sat  upright 
on  the  floor,  laughing  as  they  devoured  their  respective 
portions. 

"  Of  course,  these  are  all  slaves  ? "  observed  Mr 
Berecroft. 

**  Yes,  bred  them  all  myself,"  replied  the  planter ; 
'*  indeed,  out  of  two  hundred  and  fifteen  which  I  have  on 
the  estate,  I  think  that  there  are  not  more  that  twelve  who 
were  not  born  on  this  property,  during  my  father's  time 
or  mine.  Perhaps,  as  breakfast  is  over,  you  will  like  to 
inspect  my  nursery." 

The  planter  led  the  way  into  the  yard  from  which  the 
children  had  entered.  It  was  a  square,  of  about  two  roods 
of  ground,  three  sides  of  which  were  enclosed  by  rows  of 
small  houses,  of  two  rooms  each  ;  and  most  of  them  were 
occupied  by  female  slaves,  either  nursing  children  at  the 
breast,  or  expecting  very  soon  to  have  that  duty  to 
perform.  They  received  their  master  with  a  smiling  face, 
as  he  addressed  a  question  to  each  of  them  when  he 
entered  their  abode. 

"  Now  these  are  all  my  breeding  women ;  they  do  no 
work,  only  take  care  of  the  children,  who  remain  here 
until  they  are  eight  or  nine  years  old.  We  have  a  surgeon 
on  the  estate,  who  attends  them  as  well  as  the  other  slaves 
when  they  are  sick.  Now,  if  you  feel  inclined,  we  will  go 
round  the  works." 

The  old  planter,  in  a  few  minutes'  walk,  brought  them 
to  an  extensive  row  of  detached  cottages,  each  centred  in 
a  piece  of  garden-ground,  well  stocked  with  yams,  sweet 
potatoes,  bananas,  and  other  tropical  productions.  Poultry 
of  all  descriptions  were  scattered  in  profusion  about  the 
place,  and  pigs  appeared  to  be  abundant. 

"  Now,  captain,  these  are  the  cottages  of  the  working 
slaves.  The  garden-ground  is  allowed  to  them ;  and 
whatever  they  can  make  by  its  produce,  or  by  their  pigs 
and  their  poultry,  is  all  their  own." 


io6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"  But  how  are  they  subsisted  ?  " 

"  By  rations,  as  regularly  served  out  as  yours  are  on 
board  of  your  vessel,  and  they  have  as  much  as  they  can 
consume." 

"  Are  they  all  single  men  ? " 

"  No,  mostly  married  to  slave  girls  on  the  estate :  their 
wives  live  with  them,  unless  they  breed,  and  then  they  are 
removed  up  to  the  nurseries." 

"  And  what  work  do  you  exact  from  them  ? " 

"  Eight  hours  a  day — except  in  crop-time,  and  then  we 
are  very  busy ;  so  that  they  have  plenty  of  leisure  to  look 
after  their  own  interests  if  they  choose." 

**  Do  they  ever  lay  up  much  money  ?  " 

"  Very  often  enough  to  purchase  their  freedom,  if  they 
wished  it." 

**  If  they  wished  it !  "  replied  Mr  Berecroft  with  sur- 
prise. 

"  Yes ;  without  explanation,  that  may  appear  strange  to 
you,  and  still  more  strange,  the  fact,  that  freedom  offered 
has  often  been  refused.  A  man  who  is  a  clever  workman 
as  a  carpenter,  or  any  other  trade,  will  purchase  his 
freedom  if  he  can,  because  artisans  can  obtain  very 
high  wages  here ;  but  a  slave  who,  if  I  may  use  the  term, 
is  only  a  common  labourer,  would  hardly  support  himself, 
and  lay  by  nothing  for  his  old  age.  They  are  aware  of  it. 
I  have  offered  emancipation  to  one  or  two  who  have  grown 
old,  and  they  have  refused  it,  and  now  remain  as  heir-looms 
on  the  estate,  provided  with  everything,  and  doing  little  or 
no  work,  if  they  please.  You  saw  that  old  man  sweeping 
under  the  portico  ?  Well,  he  does  that  every  day  ;  and  it 
is  all  he  has  done  for  these  five  years.  Now,  if  you  please, 
we  will  go  through  the  plantations,  and  visit  the  sugar- 
mills." 

They  passed  the  slaves,  who  were  at  work  hoeing 
between  the  canes  ;  and  certainly,  if  an  estimate  of  their 
condition  was  to  be  taken  by  the  noise  and  laughter  with 
which  they  beguiled  their  labour,  they  were  far  from 
demanding  pity. 


The  Merchant  Service  107 

**  But,  I  must  confess,  that  there  is  something  in  that 
cart-whip  which  I  do  not  like,"  observed  Newton. 

"  I  grant  it ;  but  custom  is  not  easily  broken  through ; 
nor  do  we  know  any  substitute.  It  is  the  badge  of 
authority,  and  the  noise  of  it  is  requisite  to  summon  them 
to  their  labour.  With  me  it  is  seldom  used,  for  it  is  not 
required ;  and  if  you   were   captain   of  a   man-of-war,  I 

should   answer  you   as  I  did   Captain  C ;    to   wit — I 

question  much  whether  my  noisy  whip  is  half  so  mis- 
chievous as  your  silent  cat,^"* 

The  sugar-mills,  stables  of  mules,  boilers,  coolers,  &c., 
were  all  examined,  and  the  party  returned  to  the  plantation- 
house. 

"  Well,  captain,  now  you  have  witnessed  what  is  termed 
slavery,  what  is  your  opinion  ?  Are  your  philanthropists 
justified  in  their  invectives  against  us  ? " 

"  First  assure  me  that  all  other  plantations  are  as  well 
regulated  as  your  own,"  replied  Mr  Berecroft. 

*'  If  not,  they  soon  will  be  :  it  is  to  the  interest  of  all  the 
planters  that  they  should  ;  and  by  that,  like  all  the  rest  of 
the  world,  they  will  be  guided." 

"  But  still  there  have  been  great  acts  of  cruelty  com- 
mitted ;  quite  enough  to  prepossess  us  against  you  as  a  body." 

"  I  grant  that  such  has  been  the  case,  and  may  occasionally 
be  so  now ;  but  do  not  the  newspapers  of  England  teem 
with  acts  of  barbarity  ?  Men  are  the  same  everywhere. 
But,  sir,  it  is  the  misfortune  of  this  world,  that  we  never 
know  nvhen  to  stop.  The  abolition  of  the  slave-trade  was  an 
act  of  humanity,  worthy  of  a  country  acting  upon  an  ex- 
tended scale  like  England ;  but  your  philanthropists,  not 
content  with  relieving  the  blacks,  look  forward  to  the 
extermination  of  their  own  countrymen,  the  whites — who, 
upon  the  faith  and  promise  of  the  nation,  were  induced  to 
embark  their  capital  in  these  islands." 

"  Doubtless  they  wish  to  abolish  slavery  altogether," 
replied  Berecroft. 

*'They  must  be  content  with  having  abolished  the  hor- 
rors of  it,  sir,"  continued  the  planter.       "  At  a  time  when 


io8  Newton  Forster;  or, 

the  mart  was  open,  and  you  could  purchase  another  slave 
to  replace  the  one  that  had  died  from  ill-treatment,  or  dis- 
ease, the  life  of  a  slave  was  not  of  such  importance  to  his 
proprietor  as  it  is  now.  Moreover,  the  slaves  imported 
were  adults,  who  had  been  once  free ;  and,  torn  as  they 
were  from  their  natural  soil  and  homes,  where  they  slept 
in  idleness  throughout  the  day,  they  were  naturally  morose 
and  obstinate,  sulky,  and  unwilling  to  work.  This  occa- 
sioned severe  punishment ;  and  the  hearts  of  their  masters 
being  indurated  by  habit,  it  often  led  to  acts  of  barbarity. 
But  slavery,  since  the  abolition,  has  assumed  a  milder  form 
— it  is  a  species  of  bond  slavery.  There  are  few  slaves  in 
existence  who  have  not  been  born  upon  the  estates,  and  we 
consider  that  they  are  more  lawfully  ours." 

"  Will  you  explain  what  you  mean  by  more  lawfully  f  " 

"  I  mean,  captain  (for  instance),  that  the  father  of  that 
boy  (pointing  to  one  of  the  negro  lads  who  waited  at  break- 
fast) was  my  slave ;  that  he  worked  for  me  until  he  was  an 
old  man,  and  then  I  supported  him  for  many  years  until  he 
died.  I  mean,  that  I  took  care  of  this  boy's  mother,  who, 
as  she  bore  children,  never  did  any  work  after  her  marriage, 
and  has  since  been  only  an  expense  to  me,  and  probably 
will  continue  to  be  so  for  some  years.  I  mean,  that  that 
boy  was  taken  care  of,  and  fed  by  me  until  he  was  ten  years 
old,  without  my  receiving  any  return  for  the  expense  which 
I  incurred ;  and  I  therefore  consider  that  he  is  indebted  to 
me  as  a  bond-slave,  and  that  I  am  entitled  to  his  services ; 
and  he,  in  like  manner,  when  he  grows  too  old  to  work, 
will  become  a  pensioner,  as  his  father  was  before  him." 

"  I  perceive  the  drift  of  your  argument ;  you  do  not 
defend  slavery  generally." 

"No;  I  consider  a  man  born  free,  and  made  a  slave,  is 
justified  in  resorting  to  any  means  to  deliver  himself ;  but 
a  slave  that  I  have  reared  is  lawfully  a  slave,  and  bound  to 
remain  so,  unless  he  can  repay  me  the  expense  I  have  in- 
curred. But  dinner  is  ready,  captain  ;  if  you  wish  to  argue 
the  matter  further,  it  must  be  over  a  bottle  of  claret." 

The  dinner  was  well  dressed,  and  the  Madeira  and  claret 


The  Merchant  Service  109 

(the  only  wines  produced)  of  the  best  quality.  Their  host 
did  the  honours  of  his  table  with  true  West  Indian  hospi- 
tality, circulating  the  bottle  after  dinner  with  a  rapidity 
which  would  soon  have  produced  an  effect  upon  less  prudent 
visitors ;  and  when  Mr  Berecroft  refused  to  take  any  more 
wine,  he  ordered  the  ingredients  for  arrack  punch. 

"  Now,  Mr  Forster,  you  must  take  a  tumbler  of  this,  and 
I  think  that  you'll  pronounce  it  excellent." 

"  Indeed  ! "  replied  Newton. 

*'  Nay,  I  will  take  no  denial ;  don't  be  afraid ;  you  may 
do  anything  you  please  in  this  climate,  only  be  temperate, 
and  don't  check  the  perspiration." 

"  Well,  but,"  observed  Newton,  who  placed  the  tumbler 
of  punch  before  him.  *'  You  promised  to  renew  your  argu- 
ment after  dinner  ;  and  I  should  like  to  hear  what  you  have 
to  urge  in  defence  of  a  system  which  I  never  have  heard 
defended  before." 

"  Well,"  replied  his  host,  upon  whom  the  wine  and 
punch  had  begun  to  take  effect,  "just  let  me  fill  my 
tumbler  again  to  keep  my  lips  moist,  and  then  I'll  prove 
to  you  that  slavery  has  existed  from  the  earliest  times, 
and  is  not  at  variance  with  the  religion  we  profess. 
That  it  has  existed  from  the  earliest  times,  you  need 
only  refer  to  the  book  of  Genesis  j  and  that  it  is  not 
at  variance  with  our  religion,  I  must  refer  to  the  fourth 
Commandment.  How  can  that  part  of  the  commandment 
be  construed,  '  and  the  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates '  ? 
To  whom  can  this  possibly  apply  but  to  the  slave  ?  After 
directing  that  the  labour  of  all  the  household,  *  man- 
servant and  maid-servant,'  should  cease,  it  then  proceeds 
to  the  ox  and  the  ass,  and  the  stranger  that  is  within  thy 
gates.  Now,  gentlemen,  this  cannot  be  applied  to  the 
stranger  in  the  literal  sense  of  the  word,  the  hospitality 
of  the  age  forbidding  that  labour  should  be  required  of 
him.  At  that  time  slaves  were  brought  from  foreign 
lands,  and  were  a  source  of  traffic,  as  may  be  inferred 
by  the  readiness  with  which  the  Ishmaelites  purchased 
Joseph  of  his  brethren,  and  resold  him  in  Egypt. 


no  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

**Nay,  that  slavery  was  permitted  by  the  Almighty 
is  fully  proved  by  the  state  of  the  Jewish  nation,  until 
He  thought  proper  to  bring  them  out  of  the  house  of 
bondage. 

**  If,  then,  the  laws  of  God  provided  against  the  ill- 
treatment  of  the  slave,  slavery  is  virtually  acknowledged 
as  not  being  contrary  to  His  Divine  will.  We  have  a 
further  proof,  subsequent  to  the  mission  of  our  Saviour,  that 
the  apostles  considered  slavery  as  lawful." 

"  I  remember  it :  you  refer  to  Paul  sending  back  the 
runaway  slave  Onesimus,  Well,  I'll  admit  all  this,"  re- 
plied Mr  Berecroft,  who  had  a  great  dislike  to  points 
of  Scripture  being  canvassed  after  dinner ;  "  and  I  wish 
to  know  what  inference  you  would  draw  from  it." 

"That  I  was  just  coming  to :  I  assert  that  my  property 
in  slaves  is  therefore  as  legally  mine  as  my  property  in 
land  or  money ;  and  that  any  attempt  to  deprive  me  of 
either  is  equally  a  robbery,  whether  it  be  made  by  the 
nation  or  by  an  individual.  But  now,  sir,  allow  me  to 
ask  you  a  question,  show  me  where  liberty  is  ? — Run 
over  all  the  classes  of  society,  and  point  out  one  man 
who  is  free  ?  " 

Mr  Berecroft,  who  perceived  the  effect  of  the  arrack 
punch,  could  not  refrain  from  laughing,  as  he  replied, 
"  Well,  your  friend  Mr  Kingston,  is  he  not  free  ?  " 

"Free  !  Not  half  so  free  as  that  slave  boy  who  stands 
behind  your  chair.  Why,  he  is  a  merchant ;  and  whether 
he  lives  upon  a  scale  of  princely  expenditure,  whether 
wholesale  or  retail,  banker,  or  proprietor  of  a  chandler's 
shop,  he  is  a  speculator.  Anxious  days  and  sleepless 
nights  await  upon  speculation.  A  man  with  his  capital 
embarked,  who  may  be  a  beggar  on  the  ensuing  day, 
cannot  lie  down  upon  roses :  he  is  the  slave  of  Mammon. 
Who  are  greater  slaves  than  sailors  ?  So  are  soldiers, 
and  all  who  hold  employ  under  government.  So  are 
politicians  :  they  are  slaves  to  their  tongues ;  for  opinions 
once  expressed,  and  parties  once  joined,  at  an  age  when 
reason  is  borne  down  by  enthusiasm,  and  they  are  fixed 


The  Merchant  Service  iii 

for  life  against  their  conscience,  and  are  unable  to  follow 
its  dictates  without  blasting  their  characters.  Courtiers 
are  slaves,  you  must  acknowledge." 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,"  interrupted  Kingston,  "  but  I 
perceive  that  you  make  no  distinction  between  those  en- 
thralled by  their  own  consent,  and  against  it." 

*'  It  is  a  distinction  without  a  difference,"  replied  the 
planter,  "  even  if  it  were  so,  which  it  is  not,  but  in 
particular  cases.  The  fact  is,  society  enthrals  us  all. 
We  are  forced  to  obey  laws,  to  regard  customs,  to  follow 
the  fashion  of  the  day,  to  support  the  worthless  by  poor- 
rates,  to  pay  taxes,  and  the  interest  of  a  debt  which 
others  have  contracted,  or  we  must  go  to  prison." 

"  And  the  princes  and  rulers  of  the  land — do  you 
include  them  ?  "  inquired  Newton. 

"  They  are  the  greatest  of  all ;  for  the  meanest  peasant 
has  an  advantage  over  the  prince  in  the  point  on  which  we 
most  desire  to  be  free — that  of  the  choice  in  his  partner 
in  iife.  He  has  none,  but  must  submit  to  the  wishes  of  his 
people,  and  trammelled  by  custom,  must  take  to  his  bed 
one  whom  he  cannot  take  to  his  heart." 

"Well,  by  your  account,  there  is  nobody  free,  unless 
it  be  Liberty  herself." 

*'  Why,  sir,"  rejoined  the  planter,  "  to  prove  to  you 
that  I  was  correct  when  I  asserted  that  there  was  no  such 
thing  in  this  world  as  liberty,  paradoxical  as  it  may 
appear.  Liberty  is  but  Liberty  when  in  bondage.  Release 
her,  and  she  ceases  to  exist ;  she  has  changed  her  nature 
and  character  ;  for  Liberty  unrestrained  becomes  Licentious- 
ness.^^ 

*'  Well,"  said  Mr  Kingston,  laughing  with  the  rest  at 
this  curious  remark,  "  as  you  have  now  arrived  at  your 
climax,  with  your  leave  we  will  go  to  bed." 

"  Have  I  convinced  you  .'' "  demanded  the  planter, 
taking  the  tumbler  from  his  lips. 

"  At  least  you  have  silenced  us.  Now,  if  you  please, 
we  will  put  on  our  coats  and  retire  to  our  apartments." 

"Yes — do,"    replied    the    other,    who   was    not   very 


112  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

steady ;    **  do — or  you  may  check  the  perspiration.     Boy 
Jack,  where  are  the  lights  ?     Good-night,  gentlemen." 

The  negro  led  the  way  to  a  large  room  with  two  beds 
in  it,  for  Newton  and  the  master  of  the  brig.  Having 
first  pointed  out  to  them  that  there  was  a  jug  of  sangoree, 
"  suppose  gentlemen  thirsty,"  he  wished  them  good-night, 
and  left  the  room. 

"  Well,  Newton,"  said  Mr  Berecroft,  as  soon  as  they 
were  alone,  "  what  do  you  think  of  the  planter  ?  " 

**  I  think  that,  considering  his  constant  advice  to  be 
temperate,  he  swallowed  a  very  large  quantity  of  arrack 
punch." 

"  He  did  indeed  j  but  what  think  you  of  his  argu- 
ments ? " 

**I  hardly  can  say,  except  that  none  of  them  were 
sufficiently  convincing  to  induce  me  to  be  a  slave  pro- 
prietor. We  may  perhaps,  as  he  asserts,  have  contented 
ourselves  with  the  shadow  instead  of  the  substance ; 
but  even  the  shadow  of  liberty  is  to  be  venerated  by  an 
Englishman." 

"I  agree  with  you,  my  boy.  His  discourse  did,  how- 
ever, bring  one  idea  into  my  head  ;  which  is,  that  there 
is  a  remarkable  connection  between  religion  and  slavery. 
It  was  in  a  state  of  bondage  that  the  Jews  were  prepared 
to  receive  the  promised  land  ;  and  whenever  they  fell  off 
from  the  true  worship,  they  were  punished  by  captivity. 
It  was  through  the  means  of  slavery  that  the  light  of  the 
true  faith  was  first  brought  to  our  island,  where  it  has 
burnt  with  a  purer  flame  than  elsewhere ;  for,  if  you 
recollect,  the  beauty  of  some  English  children  exposed 
for  sale  at  Rome,  assisted  by  a  Latin  pun,  caused  the 
introduction  of  Christianity  into  Great  Britain  ;  and  who 
knows  but  that  this  traffic,  so  offensive  to  humanity,  has 
been  permitted  by  an  Allwise  Power,  with  the  intent  that 
some  day  it  shall  be  the  means  of  introducing  Christianity 
into  the  vast  regions  of  African  idolatry  ?  " 

"True,"  observed  Newton 5  "and  the  time  may  not 
be  far  distant." 


The  Merchant  Service 


113 


"  That  it  is  impossible  to  calculate  upon.  He  worketh 
by  His  own  means,  which  are  inscrutable.  It  was  not  the 
cause  of  virtue,  but  a  desire  that  vice  might  be  less 
trammelled,  which  introduced  the  Reformation  in  Eng- 
land. The  more  we  attempt  to  interfere  with  the 
arrangements  of  the  Almighty,  the  more  we  shall  make 
evident  our  own  folly  and  blindness,  and  His  unsearch- 
able and  immutable  wisdom. — Good-night,  my  boy." 


Chapter  XV 

"  Lucy — Are  all  these  wretches  slaves  ? 
Stanley — All  sold,  they  and  their  posterity,  all  slaves. 
Lucy — O  !  miserable  fortune  1 
Bland — Most  of  them  know  no  better,  but  were 

Born  so,  and  only  change  their  masters." 

Oroonoko, 

The  party  were  up  at  an  early  hour  on  the  ensuing 
morning,  that  they  might  enjoy  the  delightful  freshness 
of  the  air,  which  so  soon  evaporates  before  the  scorching 
rays  of  the  tropical  sun.  They  were  joined  at  breakfast 
by  the  doctor  who  attended  the  estate,  and  who  had 
called  in  to  announce  the  birth  of  a  little  negro  boy  in  the 
early  part  of  the  night. 

"  Who  did  you  say,  doctor  } "  answered  the  planter, 
"  Mattee  Sally  ?  Why,  I  thought  Jane  Ascension  was  in 
advance  of  her." 

*'  They  were  running  it  neck  and  neck,  sir,"  replied  the 
surgeon. 

"  How  is  she — quite  hearty  ?  " 

"  Quite,  sir  ;  but  very  anxious  about  the  child's  name, 
and  requests  to  speak  with  you  as  soon  as  you  have 
breakfasted." 

*'  We  will  go  to  her.  You  have  no  idea,"  observed 
the  planter  to  Mr  Berecroft  and  Newton,  "  what  im- 
portance these  people  attach  to  the  naming  of  their 
children.      Nothing   but   a   fine   long   name   will    satisfy 

F  H 


114  Newton  Forster;  or, 

them.  I  really  believe,  that  if  I  refused  her,  or  called 
the  boy  Tom,  she  would  eat  dirt.  I  believe  we  have  all 
done:  Boy  Jack,  bring  the  sangoree.  Doctor,  I  daresay 
that  your  clay  wants  moistening,  so  take  the  first 
pull." 

This  important  commencement  and  finale  to  the  repast 
having  been  duly  administered,  they  proceeded  to  the  range 
of  buildings  before  mentioned,  in  one  of  which  they  found 
the  lady  in  the  stranvy  sitting  up,  and  showing  her  white 
teeth  at  her  master's  approach,  as  if  nothing  very  particular 
had  occurred. 

"  Well,  Mattee,  how  are  you  ? "  said  the  planter. 
"  Where's  the  piccaninny  ?  " 

*'  Ab  um  here,  sar — keep  im  warm,"  replied  the  woman, 
pointing  to  a  roll  of  blanket,  in  which  the  little  creature 
was  enveloped. 

"  Let  us  see  him,  Mattee." 

**  No  sar,  too  cold  yet — bye  bye,  massa,  see  um  ;  make 
very  fine  sleep  now.  Suppose  white  piccaninny,  suppose 
black  piccaninny — all  same — like  plenty  sleep.  Um  know 
very  well,  hab  plenty  work  to  do  bye  bye — sleep  all  dey 
can,  when  lilly." 

**  But  you'll  smother  him,"  observed  Newton. 

**Smoder  him? — what  dat — eh? — I  know  now  massa 
mean,  stop  um  breath.  No :  suppose  him  no  smoder 
before,  no  smoder  now,  sar.  Massa,"  continued  the 
woman,  turning  to  the  planter,  "no  ab  name  for  pic- 
caninny ? " 

"  Well,  Mattee,  we  must  find  one  ;  these  gentlemen 
will  give  him  a  name.  Come,  captain,  what  name  do  you 
propose  ? " 

*'  Suppose  we  christen  him  Snub,^^  replied  Berecroft, 
winking  at  the  rest. 

"  Snob  !  What  sart  a  name  you  call  dat,  sar  ? "  re- 
plied the  woman,  tossing  up  her  head.  **  Snob  !  no,  sar, 
you  'front  me  very  much.     Snob  not  proper  name." 

"  Well,  then,  Mr  Forster,"  said  the  planter,  "  try  if 
you  can  be  more  fortunate." 


The  Merchant  Service  115 

"  What  do  you  think  of  Chrononhotonthologus  ?  "  said 
Newton  to  the  woman. 

"  Eh  !  what  dat  ? — say  that  again,  sar,"  replied  the 
woman. 

"  Chrononhotonthologus." 

*'  Eh  !  dat  real  fine  name  for  piccaninny,"  cried  the 
woman,  with  delight  in  her  countenance.  *'  Many  tanky, 
sar.     Chroton — polygarse." 

"  No,  no,"  replied  Newton,  laughing  ;  "  Chrononhoton- 
thologus." 

"  Es,  hab  um  now — Hoton — tolyglass." 

"  No,  that's  only  part.     Chronon — hoton — thologus." 

'*  I  see — very  fine  name — Proton — choton — polyglass. 

"  Yes,  that's  nearer  to  it,"  replied  Newton. 

**Well,  then,  that  point's  settled,"  said  the  planter  to 
the  woman.     "  Is  it  all  right,  Mattee  ?  " 

"  Es,  massa  ;  many  tanks  to  gentleman — very  fine  name, 
do  very  well,  sar." 

"  Doctor,  put  the  name  down  opposite  the  register  of 
the  birth.  Now,  Mattee,  all's  right,  good-bye,"  said  the 
planter,  leaving  the  room  and  followed  by  the  others. 

"  Do  you  really  intend  to  call  the  child  by  that  name  ?  " 
inquired  Mr  Berecroft. 

"  Why  not  ?  it  pleases  the  woman,  and  is  as  good  as 
any  other  ;  it  is  of  no  consequence.  They  almost  all  have 
names,  certainly  not  quite  so  long  as  the  present ;  but  as  they 
grow  longer,  their  names  grow  shorter.  This  name  will 
first  be  abbreviated  to  Chrony ;  if  we  find  that  too  long,  it 
will  be  reduced  again  to  Crow ;  which,  by-the-bye,  is  not 
a  bad  name  for  a  negro,"  said  the  planter,  laughing  at  the 
coincidence. 

Reader,  did  you  ever,  perchance,  when  in  a  farmyard, 
observe  a  hen  or  other  domestic  fowl,  who  having  pounced 
upon  half  a  potato,  or  something  of  the  same  description, 
too  large  to  be  bolted  down  at  once,  tries  to  escape  with 
her  prize,  followed  by  all  the  rest,  until  she  either  drops  it 
or  eludes  their  vigilance  ?  If  so,  you  form  some  idea  of 
a  negro  woman  with  a  hard  word  in  her  mouth  5  which. 


ii6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

although  she  does  not  know  the  meaning  of,  she  considers 
as  an  equal  treasure. 

Newton  had  turned  round  to  the  courtyard,  in  the  centre 
of  which  several  women  were  sitting  down  at  various  em- 
ployments ;  when  one  who  had  been  busied  in  some  little 
offices  for  the  woman  whom  they  had  just  visited,  and  had 
in  consequence  been  present  at  the  choice  of  the  name, 
took  her  seat  with  the  party  in  question.  To  several 
queries  put  to  her  she  replied  with  extreme  hauteur,  as  if 
she  considered  them  as  impertinent,  and  frowned  upon  her 
companions  most  majestically. 

After  a  short  time  she  rose,  and  turning  round,  with 
the  look  of  an  empress,  said,  **  Now,  I  shall  go  look  after 
my  Hoton-poton-poUybass." 

"  Eh  ? "  cried  one,  opening  her  eyes  with  wonder. 

"  What  dat  ?  "  screamed  another. 

"How  you  call  dat  long  ting  ?"  demanded  a  third. 

**  Eh !  you  tupid  black  tings,"  replied  the  proud 
possessor  of  the  new  word,  with  a  look  of  ineffable  scorn, 
"  you  no  know  what  um  call  Poton-hoton-poll-fass.  Me 
no  tell  you,"  continued  she,  as  she  walked  away, 
leaving  the  others  almost  ixjhite  with  envy  and  astonish- 
ment. 

Shortly  after  this  Mr  Kingston  with  his  party  took 
their  leave  of  the  hospitable  old  planter,  and  commenced 
their  return  to  Bridgetown.  They  had  not  proceeded 
further  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  when,  ascending  a  little 
hill,  Newton  discovered  that  a  negro  was  assisting  his  own 
ascent  by  hanging  on  to  the  tail  of  his  mule. 

"  How  do  you  do  this  morning,  sar  ? "  said  the  man, 
grinning,  as  Newton  looked  round. 

"  I'm  very  well,  sir,  I  thank  you  ;  but  Tm  afraid  I  shall 
not  be  able  to  keep  up  with  the  rest,  if  my  mule  has  to 
pull  you  up  hill,  as  well  as  carry  me." 

**  Es,  sar,  mule  go  faster.  Massa  not  understand ; 
mule  very  obstinate,  sar.  Suppose  you  want  go  one 
way,  he  go  anoder — suppose  you  pull  him  back  by  tail,  he 
go  on  more." 


The  Merchant  Service  117 

'*  Well,  if  that's  the  case,  you  may  hold  on.  Do  you 
belong  to  the  plantation  ?  " 

"No,  sar,  me  free  man.  Me  work  there;  carpenter, 
sar." 

"  A  carpenter !  How  did  you  learn  your  trade,  and 
obtain  your  freedom  ?  " 

"  Larn  trade  board  man-of-war,  sar — man-of-war  make 
me  free." 

Mr  Berecroft,  who  had  been  listening  to  the  colloquy, 
took  up  the  discourse. 

**  Were  you  born  in  this  country  ?  " 

"  No,  sar  !  me  Ashantee  man." 

"  Then  how  did  you  come  here  ?  " 

"Why,  sar,  ab  very  fine  battle  in  Ashantee  country. 
Take  me  and  send  me  down  to  coast ;  sell  me  for  slave. 
Go  on  board  French  schooner  —  English  frigate  take 
schooner,  send  me  to  Sarra  Leon." 

"  Well,  what  did  you  do  there  ?  " 

"  Bind  'prentice,  sar,  to  Massa  Cawly,  for  farteen  years 
— all  de  same  as  slave  ;  work  very  hard  ;  yam  bad  ;  plenty 
fever  in  dat  country — much  better  here." 

"  Then  how  did  you  get  away  from  Sierra  Leone  ? " 

**  Go  to  sleep  one  day  in  de  bush — tieves  come  steal 
me,  take  me  down  to  coast,  sell  me  again." 

"  Well,  where  did  you  go  then  ? " 

"  Bard  schooner  again,  sar.  Another  man-of-war  take 
schooner  in  West  Indies  :  send  her  in  prize.  Keep  me 
and  some  on  board  becase  want  hands  j  keep  me,  becase 
speak  little  English." 

"  How  did  you  like  a  man-of-war  ?  "  inquired  Newton. 

**  Man-of-war  very  fine  place ;  but  all  slaves  there — 
captain  steal  men  every  ship  he  come  to.  But  sailor  no 
tink  so ;  ebery  night  we  all  sing,  Britong  nebber,  nebber, 
nebber,  will  be  slave.  Make  me  laugh,  sar,"  continued 
the  man,  showing  his  teeth  with  a  broad  grin. 

"  What  was  the  frigate's  name  ?  " 

"  Very  fine  name,  sar,  call  her  Daddy  TFise"  * 

*   Dedaigneuse,  we  suppose. 


ii8  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  How  long  were  you  on  board  of  her  ? " 

"Far  year,  sar ;  larn  carpenter  trade — go  to  England — 
pay  off— get  plenty  money — come  out  here  in  marchant 
vessel ;  England  very  fine  place,  but  too  much  cold,"  said 
the  negro,  shuddering  at  the  bare  recollection. 

"  Now,  tell  me,"  said  Kingston,  "  of  course  you 
recollect  being  in  your  own  country  ?  Which  do  you  like 
best — that  or  this  ?  " 

**  Ashantee  very  good  country — Barbadoes  very  good 
country.  Ashantee  nebber  work,  hab  no  money — here 
plenty  work,  plenty  money." 

"Well,  but  where  would  you  rather  be — here  or 
there  ?  " 

"Don't  know,  sar.  Like  to  find  country  where  no 
work,  plenty  money." 

"  Not  singular  in  his  opinion,"  observed  Newton. 

"  Men  do  all  work  here,  sar :  women  only  talk,"  con- 
tinued the  negro.  "  My  country,  men  nebber  work  at  all 
— women  do  all  work,  and  feed  men." 

"  Then  what  does  the  man  do  ?  "  inquired  Berecroft. 

"  Man,  sar,"  replied  the  negro,  proudly,  "  man  go 
fight— go  kill." 

"  Is  that  all  ? " 

"  Yes,  sar,  that  all." 

**  So,  you  then  mean  to  say,  that  if  you  could  go  back 
to  Ashantee  now  you  would  remain  there  ?" 

"  Yes,  sar,  stay  there — do  no  work — sleep  all  day — 
make  women  feed  me." 

"  How  inveterate  is  early  habit !  "  observed  Mr  Berecroft. 
"  This  man,  although  free  in  a  civilised  country,  would 
return  to  his  idleness,  and  resume  his  former  ignorance." 

"  And  so  would  every  slave  not  born  in  the  country. 
It  requires  one  or  two  generations  to  destroy  this  savage 
nature,"  replied  Kingston.  "I  believe,  idleness,  like  gout, 
to  be  a  hereditary  disease,  either  in  black  or  white  ;  I 
have  often  observed  it  in  the  latter.  Now,  until  man 
labours  there  is  no  chance  of  civilisation  :  and,  improved 
as  the  race  of  Africa  have  been  in  these  islands,  I  still 


The  Merchant  Service  119 

think  that  if  manumitted,  they  would  all  starve.  In  their 
own  country  nature  is  so  bountiful  that  little  or  no  labour 
is  required  for  the  support  of  life  ;  but  in  these  islands 
the  soil,  although  luxuriant,  must  be  nurtured." 

"  You  do  then  look  forward  to  their  ultimate  freedom?  " 
inquired  Newton. 

"  Most  assuredly.  Already  much  has  been  done,  and 
if  not  persecuted,  we  should  be  able  and  willing  to  do 
much  more." 

**  The  public  mind  in  England  is  certainly  much  in- 
flamed against  you,"  said  Berecroft. 

"  It  is ;  or  rather,  I  should  say,  the  more  numerous 
public  composed  of  those  persons  unable  to  think  for 
themselves,  and  in  consequence,  led  by  others  styling 
themselves  philanthropists,  but  appearing  to  have  very 
Jesuitical  ideas  with  regard  to  truth.  This  I  have  no 
hesitation  in  asserting,  that  if  philanthropy  had  not  been 
found  to  have  been  so  very  profitable ^  it  never  would  have 
had  so  many  votaries :  true  philanthropy,  like  charity, 
begins  at  home.  Observe  how  the  papers  teem  with  the 
misery  of  the  lower  classes  in  England,  yet  this  affects 
not  the  West  India  philanthropist.  You  perceive  not 
their  voices  raised  in  behalf  of  their  suffering  countrymen. 
They  pass  the  beggar  in  the  street ;  they  heed  not  the 
cry  of  starvation  at  home ;  but  everywhere  raise  petitions 
for  emancipation  ;  or,  in  fact,  for  the  destruction  of  the 
property  of  others.  That  it  is  an  invidious  property,  I 
grant,  and  I  wish  I  could  dispose  of  mine  ;  but  that  is 
not  so  easy.  My  ancestors  embarked  their  capital  in 
these  islands  upon  the  faith  and  promises  of  the  country, 
when  opinions  were  very  different  from  what  they  are 
now,  and  I  cannot  help  myself.  However,  the  time  will 
come  when  England  will  bitterly  rue  the  having  listened 
to  the  suggestions  and  outcries  of  these  interested  people." 

"  I  do  not  understand  you.     How  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  I  said  before,  that  it  was  on  the  faith  of  the  country 
that  we  embarked  our  property  in  these  islands.  You  are 
not   perhaps   aware,   that  when,  in   the  reign  of  Queen 


120  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Anne,  the  Assiento  treaty  was  made,  by  which  we  ob- 
tained the  privilege  of  supplying  all  the  islands  with  slaves, 
it  was  considered  as  one  of  the  most  important  acquisitions 
that  could  be  obtained.  Public  opinion  has  now  changed  ; 
but  if  a  nation  changes  her  opinion,  she  must  at  the  same 
time  be  just.  Let  the  country  take  our  estates  and  negroes 
at  a  fair  valuation,  and  we  shall  be  most  happy  to  sur- 
render them.  If  she  frees  the  slaves  without  so  doing, 
she  is  guilty  of  robbery  and  injustice,  and  infringes  on 
the  constitution  of  the  country,  which  protects  all  property, 
and  will  of  course  allow  us  to  decide  upon  our  own 
measures." 

**  May  I  inquire  what  those  would  be  ?" 

"  Throwing  off  the  yoke,  declaring  ourselves  in- 
dependent, and  putting  ourselves  under  the  protection  of 
America,  who  will  gladly  receive  us,  aware  that  we  shall 
be  a  source  not  only  of  wealth  but  of  security." 

**  Would  America  risk  a  war  to  obtain  these  islands  ? " 

"She  would  be  foolish  not  to  do  so;  and  England 
would  be  more  than  foolish  to  engage  in  one.  It  is  true, 
that  if  not  immediately  supported  by  America,  England 
might  create  a  scene  of  confusion  and  bloodshed  in  the 
colonies ;  but  the  world  has  too  often  had  the  severe 
lesson,  that  colonies  once  detaching  themselves  are  never 
to  be  regained.  England  would  therefore  be  only  entail- 
ing a  useless  expense,  however  gratifying  it  might  be  to 
her  feelings  of  revenge." 

"  But  do  you  think  that  this  is  likely  to  occur  ?" 

**  I  do,  most  certainly,  if  those  who  govern  continue  to 
listen  to  the  insidious  advice  of  the  party  denominated 
*  Saints '  ;  and  I  am  afraid  that  it  will  not  be  until  these 
islands  are  separated  from  the  mother-country,  that  she 
will  appreciate  their  value.  Our  resolution  once  formed, 
we  white  slaves  (for  slaves  we  are)  will  not  flinch  ;  and 
the  islands  of  the  Caribbean  Sea  will  be  enrolled  as  another 
star,  and  add  another  stripe  to  the  independent  flag,  which 
is  their  natural  protector." 

"  I  trust  that  will  never  come  to  pass." 


The  Merchant  Service  121 

"  And  so  do  I,  Mr  Berecroft ;  for  I  am  an  Englishman, 
and  love  my  country,  and  the  loss  of  these  colonies  would 
be  a  blow  from  which  England  would  never  recover." 

"  You  forget  her  extensive  colonies  in  the  East." 

"  I  do  not ;  but  the  West  Indies  add  to  her  wealth  and 
her  commercial  prosperity,  to  her  nursery  of  seamen  and 
her  exhausted  revenue.  They,  on  the  contrary,  add  only 
to  her  grandeur,  for  they  cost  the  country  three  millions  a 
year  ;  and  I  doubt  whether  at  that  expense  it  is  worth  while 
to  retain  any  colony,  however  vast  and  extensive  it  may  be. 
I  consider,  that  if  the  East  India  ports  were  open  to  all  the 
world,  and  the  territory  governed  by  its  former  princes, 
England,  with  all  the  competition  which  would  take  place, 
would  yet  be  a  gainer  ;  and,  on  the  other  hand,  I  know 
that  by  the  loss  of  these  islands,  she  would  find  a  decrease 
of  millions  in  her  revenue." 

"  Then  the  philanthropists  must  pay  the  national  debt  ?  " 
observed  Newton,  laughing. 

"  They  be  d — d !  "  replied  Kingston,  who  was  warm 
with  his  argument ;  **  they  would  not  pay  a  farthing." 


Chapter  XVI 

"  The  sea-breach'd  vessel  can  no  longer  bear 
The  floods  that  o'er  her  burst  in  dread  career. 
The  labouring  hull  already  seems  half  fiU'd 
With  water,  through  an  hundred  leaks  distill'd : 
Thus  drench'd  by  every  wave,  her  riven  deck, 
Stript  and  defenceless,  floats  a  naked  wreck." 

Falconer. 

Newton  remained  at  Bridgetown,  under  the  roof  of  Mr 
Kingston,  for  more  than  three  weeks,  by  which  time  the 
brig  was  laden,  and  waiting  for  convoy  to  proceed  to 
England. 

Mr  Berecroft  had  made  every  preparation  for  his  voyage, 
when  an  unexpected  circumstance  occurred,  which  even- 
tually proved  the  occasion  of  great  hardship  and  danger  to 
Newton.     This  was,  the  master  of  a  large  ship  belonging 


122  Newton  Forster;  or, 

to  the  same  owners,  and  then  lying  in  Carlisle  Bay,  to 
proceed  homeward  by  the  same  convoy,  had  so  ingratiated 
himself  with  a  wealthy  widow  residing  upon  the  island, 
that  rather  than  he  should  again  trust  himself  to  the  fickle 
element,  she  had  been  induced  to  surrender  up  to  him  her 
plantation,  her  negroes,  and  her  fair  self, — all  equally  bound 
to  honour  and  obey  through  their  future  lives, 

Mr  Berecroft,  in  consequence  of  this  resignation  of  his 
brother  captain,  was  appointed  to  the  command  of 
the  larger  vessel  •,  and  Jackson,  the  first  mate,  ordered 
to  take  the  command  of  the  Eliza  and  Jane,  This  was 
a  sad  blow  to  Newton,  and  one  which  he  could  not 
avoid,  as  Mr  Berecroft  could  not  take  him  in  his 
new  ship, — all  the  subordinate  situations  being  already 
filled  up. 

At  first,  he  was  inclined  to  quit  the  brig  ;  but  by  the 
advice  of  Mr  Berecroft  and  Kingston,  he  was  persuaded 
to  go  the  passage  home,  as  he  was  now  first  mate  of  the 
vessel,  and  would  incur  forfeiture  of  all  wages  if  he  broke 
the  articles  which  he  had  signed  at  Liverpool.  Unpleasant 
as  the  prospect  was,  he  was  further  induced  by  Berecroft's 
assurance,  that  now  Jackson  was  provided  for,  he  would 
arrange  with  the  owners  that  Newton  should  be  appointed 
the  first  mate  of  his  own  ship,  as  soon  as  they  arrived  in 
England. 

In  a  few  days  the  men-of-war  made  their  appearance. 
Newton,  who  had  remained  on  shore  until  the  last  moment, 
shook  hands  with  his  friendly  patron,  and  thanking  Mr 
Kingston  for  his  kindness,  went  on  board  of  the  vessel 
with  a  sorrowful  and  foreboding  heart. 

Nor  was  he  at  all  inclined  to  cheer  up  as  he  stepped  on 
the  deck  of  the  brig,  and  beheld  Jackson  with  a  handspike, 
still  brandishing  over  his  head,  standing  across  the  body 
of  one  of  the  seamen,  whom  he  had  just  dashed  to  the 
deck  with  the  implement  in  his  hand.  At  the  sight  of 
Newton,  the  wrath  of  the  new  captain  appeared  to 
be  increased.  He  eyed  him  malevolently,  and  then 
observed,  with  a  sneer,  "That's  what  all  skulkers  may 
expect  on  board  of  my  vessel." 


The  Merchant  Service  123 

Newton  made  no  answer,  and  Jackson  went  forward, 
where  the  remainder  of  the  crew  were  heaving  up  the 
anchor  with  the  windlass.  Newton  walked  up  to  the 
seaman,  who  appeared  still  insensible,  and  examined  him. 
The  iron  plate  at  the  end  of  the  handspike  had  cut  deep 
into  the  skull,  and  there  was  every  appearance  of  a 
contusion  of  the  brain. 

Calling  the  boy  who  attended  the  cabin,  Newton,  with 
his  assistance,  carried  the  man  below,  and  laid  him  in 
his  berth.  He  then  repaired  on  deck,  and  took  the  helm, 
the  anchor  of  the  brig  being  atrip.  In  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  the  sail  was  on  her,  and  she  followed  the  course 
steered  by  the  men-of-war,  who  were  about  to  run 
through  the  other  islands,  and  pick  up  several  vessels,  who 
were  waiting  for  their  protection. 

"  If  you  expect  an  easy  berth  as  first  mate,  you  are 
mistaken,  my  joker,"  said  Jackson  to  Newton,  as  he 
steered  the  vessel ;  "  you've  skulked  long  enough,  and 
shall  now  work  double  tides,  or  take  the  consequence.  If 
you  don't,  I'll  be  d— d  !  " 

"I  shall  do  my  duty,  Mr  Jackson,"  replied  Newton, 
"  and  fear  no  consequences." 

"  Indeed  !  You  saw  how  I  settled  a  skulk  just  now  j — 
beware  of  his  fate  !  " 

"  I  neither  anticipate  it,  nor  fear  it,  Mr  Jackson.  If  it 
comes  to  handspikes,  two  can  play  at  that  game.  I  rather 
think  that  before  many  hours  are  over  you  will  be  sorry 
for  your  violence,  for  I  believe  that  man  to  be  in  consid- 
erable danger.  Even  now,  I  should  recommend  you  to 
demand  surgical  assistance  from  the  frigate." 

"  Demand  it,  if  you  dare — I  am  captain  of  this  ship,  sir. 
The  rascal  may  die — and  be  d — d  !  " 

To  this  disgusting  speech  Newton  made  no  reply.  He 
had  made  up  his  mind  to  put  up  with  everything  short  of 
downright  aggression,  and  for  three  days  more  he  obeyed 
all  orders,  however  arbitrary  and  however  annoying. 
During  this  period  the  man  who  had  been  injured  became 
gradually  worse ;  his  illness  increased  rapidly  ;  and  on  the 


124  Newton  Forster;  or, 

fifth  day  he  became  delirious,  and  in  a  state  of  high  fever, 
when  Newton  again  pointed  out  the  propriety  of  asking 
surgical  aid  from  one  of  the  men-of-war.  This  suggestion 
was  answered  by  Jackson,  who  was  now  really  alarmed, 
with  a  volley  of  oaths  and  execrations,  ending  with  a  flat 
refusal.  The  crew  of  the  brig  murmured,  and  collected 
together  forward,  looking  occasionally  at  the  men-of-war 
as  they  spoke  in  whispers  to  each  other ;  but  they  were 
afraid  of  Jackson's  violence,  and  none  ventured  to  speak 
out.  Jackson  paced  the  deck  in  a  state  of  irritation  and 
excitement  as  he  listened  to  the  ravings  of  his  victim, 
which  were  loud  enough  to  be  heard  all  over  the  vessel. 
As  the  evening  closed,  the  men,  taking  the  opportunity  of 
Jackson's  going  below,  went  up  to  Newton,  who  was 
walking  aft,  and  stated  their  determination  that  the  next 
morning,  whether  the  master  consented  to  it  or  not, 
they  would  hail  the  frigate,  and  demand  surgical  assist- 
ance for  their  shipmate.  In  the  midst  of  the  colloquy,  Jack- 
son, who  hearing  the  noise  of  the  people  overhead  coming  aft, 
had  a  suspicion  of  the  cause,  and  had  been  listening  at  the 
bottom  of  the  ladder  to  what  was  said,  came  up  the  hatch- 
way, and  accusing  Newton  of  attempting  to  raise  a  mutiny, 
ordered  him  immediately  to  his  cabin,  stating  his  intention 
of  sending  him  on  board  of  the  frigate  the  next  morning 
to  be  placed  in  confinement. 

"  I  shall  obey  your  order,"  replied  Newton,  "  as  you  are 
in  command  of  this  vessel.  I  only  hope  that  you  will 
adhere  to  your  resolution  of  communicating  with  the 
frigate."     So  saying,  he  descended  the  companion  hatch. 

But  Jackson,  who,  both  from  the  information  of  the 
cabin-boy,  and  the  fact  that  the  incoherent  ravings  of  his 
victim  became  hourly  more  feeble,  thought  himself  in 
jeopardy,  had  no  such  intention.  As  the  night  closed  in, 
he  remained  on  deck,  gradually  taking  off  first  one  sail  and 
then  another,  until  the  brig  was  left  far  astern  of  the  rest  of 
the  convoy,  and  the  next  morning  there  was  no  other  vessel 
in  sight ;  then,  on  pretence  of  rejoining  them,  he  made  all 
sail,  at  the  same  time  changing  his  course,  so  as  to  pass 


The  Merchant  Service  125 

between  two  of  the  islands.  Newton  was  the  only  one  on 
board  who  understood  navigation  besides  Jackson,  and 
therefore  the  only  one  who  could  prove  that  he  was  escap- 
ing from  the  convoy.  He  was  in  confinement  below ;  and 
the  men,  whatever  may  have  been  their  suspicions,  could 
not  prove  that  they  were  not  steering  as  they  ought. 

About  twelve  o'clock  on  that  day  the  poor  sailor 
breathed  his  last.  Jackson,  who  was  prepared  for  the 
event,  had  already  made  up  his  mind  how  to  proceed. 
The  men  murmured,  and  proposed  securing  Jackson  as  a 
prisoner,  and  offering  the  command  to  Newton.  They 
went  below  and  made  the  proposal  to  him  ;  but  he  refused, 
observing,  that  until  it  was  proved  by  the  laws  of  the  land 
that  Jackson  had  murdered  their  shipmate,  he  was  not 
guilty,  and  therefore  they  had  no  right  to  dispossess  him 
of  his  command ;  and  until  their  evidence  could  be  taken 
by  some  of  the  authorities,  he  must  remain  ;  further  point- 
ing out  to  them,  that  as  he  could  be  seized  immediately 
upon  his  arrival  at  an  English  port,  or  falling  in  with  a 
man-of-war  during  their  passage,  the  ends  of  justice  would 
be  equally  answered,  as  if  they  committed  themselves  by 
taking  the  law  into  their  own  hands. 

The  men,  although  not  satisfied,  acquiesced,  and 
returned  to  their  duty  on  deck.  Jackson's  conduct 
towards  them  was  now  quite  altered ;  he  not  only  treated 
them  with  lenity,  but  supplied  them  with  extra  liquor  and 
other  indulgences,  which,  as  captain,  he  could  command. 
Newton,  however,  he  still  detained  under  an  arrest,  watch- 
ing him  most  carefully  each  time  that  he  was  necessitated 
to  come  on  deck.  The  fact  was,  Jackson,  aware  that  his 
life  would  be  forfeited  to  the  laws  of  his  country,  had 
resolved  to  wreck  the  brig  upon  one  of  the  reefs  to  the 
northward,  then  take  to  his  boats,  and  escape  to  one  of 
the  French  islands.  At  his  instigation,  the  body  of  the 
man  had  been  thrown  overboard  by  some  of  the  crew, 
when  they  were  in  a  state  of  half  intoxication. 

Newton,  who  had  been  below  four  days,  had  retired  as 
usual  to  his  hammock,  when  a  sudden  shock,  accompanied 


126  Newton  Forster;  or, 

by  the  fall  of  the  masts  by  the  board,  woke  him  from  a 
sound  sleep  to  all  the  horrors  of  shipwreck.  The  water 
pouring  rapidly  through  the  sides  of  the  vessel,  proved  to 
him  that  there  was  no  chance  of  escape  except  by  the 
boats.  The  shriek,  so  awful  when  raised  in  the  gloom  of 
night  by  seamen  anticipating  immediate  death,  the  hurried 
footsteps  above  him,  the  confusion  of  many  voices,  with 
the  heavy  blows  from  the  waves  against  the  side  of  the 
vessel,  told  him  that  the  danger  was  imminent,  even  if 
escape  were  possible.  He  drew  on  his  trousers,  and 
rushed  to  the  door  of  his  cabin.  Merciful  Heaven  !  what 
was  his  surprise,  his  horror,  to  find  that  it  was  fastened 
outside.  A  moment's  thought  at  the  malignity  of  the 
wretch  (for  it  was  indeed  Jackson,  who,  during  the  night, 
had  taken  such  steps  for  his  destruction)  was  followed  by 
exertions  to  escape.  Placing  his  shoulders  against  his  sea- 
chest,  and  his  feet  against  the  door,  his  body  in  nearly  a 
horizontal  position,  he  made  a  violent  effort  to  break  open 
the  door.  The  lock  gave  way,  but  the  door  did  not  open 
more  than  one  or  two  inches  ;  for  Jackson,  to  make  sure, 
had  coiled  down  against  it  a  hawser  which  lay  a  few  yards 
further  forward  in  the  steerage,  the  weight  of  which  the 
strength  of  no  five  men  could  remove.  Maddened  with 
the  idea  of  perishing  by  such  treachery,  Newton  again 
exerted  his  frantic  efforts  —  again  and  again,  without 
success.  Between  each  pause,  the  voices  of  the  seamen 
asking  for  the  oars  and  other  articles  belonging  to  the 
long-boat,  proved  to  him  that  every  moment  of  delay  was 
a  nail  in  his  coffin.  Again  and  again  were  his  efforts 
repeated  with  almost  superhuman  strength ;  but  the  door 
remained  fixed  as  ever.  At  last,  it  occurred  to  him  that 
the  hawser,  which  he  had  previously  ascertained  by  passing 
his  hand  through  the  small  aperture  which  he  had  made, 
might  only  lay  against  the  lower  part  of  the  door,  and 
that  the  upper  part  might  be  free.  He  applied  his  strength 
above,  and  found  the  door  to  yield :  by  repeated  attempts 
he  at  last  succeeded  in  kicking  the  upper  panels  to  pieces, 
and    having    forced     his    body    through    the     aperture. 


The  Merchant  Service  127 

Newton  rushed  on  deck  with  the  little  strength  he  had 
remaining. 

The  men — the  boat — were  not  there :  he  hailed,  but 
they  heard  him  not ;  he  strained  his  eyes — but  they  had 
disappeared  in  the  gloom  of  the  night ;  and  Newton,  over- 
come with  exhaustion  and  disappointment,  fell  down 
senseless  on  the  deck. 


Chapter  XVII 

*'  Paladore  — I  have  heard, 

Have  read  bold  fables  of  enormity, 
Devised  to  make  men  wonder,  and  confirm 
The  abhorrence  of  our  nature  ;  but  this  hardness 
Transcends  all  fiction." 

"  Laiu  of  Lombardy. " 

We  must  now  relate  what  had  occurred  on  deck  during 
the  struggle  of  Newton  to  escape  from  his  prison.  At 
one  o'clock  Jackson  had  calculated  that  in  an  hour,  or 
less,  the  brig  would  strike  on  the  reef.  He  took  the 
helm  from  the  man  who  was  steering,  and  told  him  that 
he  might  go  below.  Previous  to  this,  he  had  been  silently 
occupied  in  coiling  the  hawser  before  the  door  of  Newton's 
cabin,  it  being  his  intention  to  desert  the  brig,  with  the 
seamen,  in  the  long-boat,  and  leave  Newton  to  perish. 
When  the  brig  dashed  upon  the  reef,  which  she  did  with 
great  violence,  and  the  crew  hurried  upon  deck,  Jackson, 
who  was  calm,  immediately  proceeded  to  give  the  orders 
which  he  had  already  arranged  in  his  mind  ;  and  the  cool- 
ness with  which  they  were  given  quieted  the  alarm  of  the 
seamen,  and  allowed  them  time  to  recall  their  scattered 
senses.  This,  however,  proved  unfortunate  for  Jackson. 
Had  they  all  hurried  in  the  boat  at  once,  and  shoved  off, 
he  would  in  all  probability  have  been  permitted  to  go 
with  them,  and  Newton,  in  the  hurry  of  their  self-pre- 
servation, would  have  been  forgotten  ;  but  his  cool 
behaviour  restored   their   confidence,   and,   unhappily  for 


128  Newton  Forster;  or, 

him,  gave  the  seamen  time  to  reflect.  Everyone  was  in 
the  boat ;  for  Jackson  had  quietly  prepared  and  put  into 
her  what  he  considered  requisite,  when  one  of  the  men 
called  out  for  Newton. 

"  D — n  Newton  now  ! — save  your  own  lives,  my  lads. 
Quick  in  the  boat,  all  of  you." 

*'  Not  without  Mr  Newton !  "  cried  the  men,  un- 
animously. **  Jump  down,  Tom  Williams,  and  see  where 
he  is ;  he  must  sleep  devilish  sound." 

The  sailor  sprung  down  the  companion-hatch,  where 
he  found  the  hawser  coiled  against  the  door,  and  heard 
Newton  struggling  inside.  It  was  enough.  He  hastened 
on  deck,  and  told  his  companions  ;  adding,  that  **  it  would 
take  half  an  hour  to  get  the  poor  fellow  out,  and  that's 
longer  than  we  dare  stay,  for  in  ten  minutes  the  brig 
will  be  to  pieces." 

"It  is  you,  you  murdering  rascal,  who  did  it!"  cried 
the  man  to  Jackson.  "  I  tell  you  what,  my  lads,  if  poor 
Mr  Newton  is  to  die,  let  this  scoundrel  keep  him  company." 

A  general  shout  proclaimed  the  acquiescence  of  the 
other  seamen  in  this  act  of  retributive  justice.  Jackson, 
with  a  loud  oath,  attempted  to  spring  into  the  boat,  but 
was  repelled  by  the  seamen  ;  again  he  made  the  attempt, 
with  dreadful  imprecations.  He  was  on  the  plane-sheer 
of  the  brig,  and  about  to  make  a  spring,  when  a  blow 
from  a  handspike  (the  same  handspike  with  which  he 
had  murdered  the  unfortunate  seaman)  struck  him  sense- 
less, and  he  fell  back  into  the  lee-scuppers.  The  boat 
then  shoved  oiF,  and  had  not  gained  more  than  two 
cables'  lengths  from  the  vessel,  when  Newton  effected 
his  escape,  and  ran  on  deck,  as  narrated  in  our  last 
chapter. 

The  brig  had  now  beat  up  so  high  on  the  reef  that 
she  remained  firmly  fixed  upon  it;  and  the  tide  having 
ebbed  considerably,  she  was  less  exposed  to  the  beating 
of  the  waves.  The  sun  was  also  about  to  make  his 
appearance,  and  it  was  broad  daylight  when  Jackson  first 
came   to   his    recollection.     His    brain  whirled,  his  ideas 


The  Merchant  Service  129 

were  confused,  and  he  had  but  a  faint  reminiscence  of 
what  had  occurred.  He  felt  that  the  water  washed  his 
feet,  and  with  a  sort  of  instinct  he  rose,  and  staggered 
up  to  windward.  In  so  doing,  without  perceiving  him, 
he  stumbled  over  the  body  of  Newton,  who  also  was 
roused  up  by  the  shock.  A  few  moments  passed  before 
either  could  regain  his  scattered  senses  ;  and,  at  the  same 
time,  both  sitting  up  on  the  deck,  at  about  a  yard  distant, 
they  discovered  and  recognised  each  other. 

Newton  was  the  more  collected  of  the  two,  for  Jackson's 
insensibility  had  been  occasioned  by  bodily — his,  by  mental 
concussion.  The  effect  of  the  blow  was  still  felt  by 
Jackson  ;  and  although  recovered  from  the  stupor,  a  dull, 
heavy  sensation  affected  his  eyesight,  and  confused  his 
ideas. 

The  sight  of  Newton  went  far  to  recover  Jackson,  who 
started  up  as  if  to  grapple  with  the  object  of  his  hatred. 
Newton  was  on  his  legs  at  the  same  moment,  and  retreat- 
ing, seized  upon  the  handspike,  which  lay  on  the  deck, 
close  to  where  Jackson  had  been  struck  down,  and  placed 
himself  in  an  attitude  of  defence.  Not  a  word  was  ex- 
changed between  them  They  remained  a  few  seconds  in 
this  position,  when  Jackson,  whose  brain  was  again 
affected  by  the  violence  of  his  feelings,  dropped  down 
upon  the  deck  in  a  renewed  state  of  insensibility. 

Newton  had  now  time  to  look  about  him ;  and  the  pro- 
spect was  anything  but  cheering.  It  was  almost  low  water ; 
and  in  every  direction  he  perceived  reefs  of  coral  rock,  and 
large  banks  of  sand,  with  deep  channels  between  them, 
through  which  the  tide  flowed  rapidly.  The  reef  upon 
which  the  brig  had  been  grounded  was  of  sharp  coral ;  and, 
in  the  deeper  parts,  the  trees  could  be  discerned,  extend- 
ing a  submarine  forest  of  boughs  ;  but  it  was  evident  that 
the  reef  upon  which  the  vessel  lay  was,  as  well  as  most  of 
the  others,  covered  at  high  water.  As  a  means  of  escape, 
a  small  boat  was  still  hanging  over  the  stern,  which  Newton 
was  able  to  manage  either  with  her  sails  or  her  oars,  as 
might  be  required. 


130  Newton  Forster;  or, 

As  there  was  no  time  to  be  lost,  and  the  only  chance  of 
escape  remained  with  the  boat,  Newton  commenced  his 
arrangements.  The  mast  and  sails  were  found,  and  the 
latter  bent ; — a  keg  was  filled  with  water, — a  compass  taken 
out  of  the  binnacle, — a  few  pieces  of  beef,  and  some  bread, 
collected  in  a  bag  and  thrown  in.  He  also  procured  some 
bottles  of  wine  and  cider  from  the  cabin  :  these  he  stowed 
away  carefully  in  the  little  locker,  which  was  fitted  under 
the  stern-sheets  of  the  boat.  In  an  hour  everything  was 
ready  ;  and  throwing  into  her  some  pieces  of  spare  rope, 
and  a  small  grapnel  to  anchor  with,  there  being  still  suffi- 
cient water  alongside  to  float  her,  Newton  gradually 
lowered  one  tackle  and  then  another,  until  the  boat  was 
safe  in  the  water.  He  then  hauled  her  up  alongside,  made 
her  fast  by  the  painter,  and  stepped  her  mast. 

All  was  now  ready — but  to  leave  Jackson  to  be  washed 
away  by  the  returning  tide,  when  the  brig  would  un- 
questionably go  to  pieces ! — Newton  could  not  do  it. 
True,  he  had  sought  his  life,  and  still  displayed  the  most 
inveterate  rancour  towards  him  ;  and  Newton  felt  convinced 
that  no  future  opportunity  would  occur  that  his  enemy 
would  not  profit  by,  to  insure  his  destruction.  Yet  to 
leave  him — a  murderer  ! — with  all  his  sins  upon  his  soul, 
to  be  launched  so  unprepared  into  the  presence  of  an 
offended  Creator  ! — it  was  impossible — it  was  contrary  to 
his  nature  and  to  the  religion  which  he  professed.  How 
could  he  hope  for  the  Divine  assistance  in  his  perilous 
undertaking,  when  he  embarked  on  it,  regardless  of  the 
precept  to  forgive  his  enemy  ? 

Newton  ascended  to  that  part  of  the  deck  where  Jackson 
lay,  and  roused  him.  Jackson  awoke,  as  if  from  a  deep 
sleep,  and  then  stared  at  Newton,  who,  as  a  precaution,  held 
the  handspike  in  his  hand. 

"  Mr  Jackson,"  said  Newton,  "  I  have  roused  you  to  let 
you  know  that  the  boat  is  now  ready,  and  that  I  am  going 
to  shove  off." 

Jackson,  who  recollected  the  scene  of  the  previous  night, 
and  perceived  Newton  standing  over  him  with  the  hand- 


The  Merchant  Service  131 

spike,  appeared  wholly  unnerved.  In  point  of  muscular 
power  Newton  was  his  superior,  independent  of  the  weapon 
in  his  possession. 

"  Not  without  me  ! — not  without  me  !  "  cried  Jackson, 
raising  himself  upon  his  knees.  "  For  mercy's  sake,  Mr 
Newton,  do  not  leave  me  to  this  horrid  death  ! " 

**  You  would  have  left  me  to  one  even  more  dreadful," 
replied  Newton. 

"  I  beg  your  pardon  ! — Pardon  me,  Mr  Newton,  I  was 
drunk  at  the  time — indeed  I  was.  I  don't  know  what  I  do 
when  I'm  in  liquor. — Don't  leave  me  ! — I'll  obey  your 
orders,  and  do  anything  you  wish  ! — I'll  wait  upon  you  as 
your  servant ! — I  will,  indeed,  Mr  Newton  !  " 

"I  neither  ask  that  you  will  obey  my  orders,  nor  wait 
upon  me,"  replied  Newton.  "  All  I  request  is,  that  you 
will  lay  aside  your  wanton  animosity,  and  exert  yourself 
to  save  your  life.  For  what  you  have  already  attempted 
against  me,  may  God  forgive  you,  as  I  do  !  For  what  you 
may  hereafter  attempt,  you  will  find  me  prepared.  Now 
follow  me  into  the  boat." 

Without  further  exchange  of  words  Newton,  followed 
by  Jackson,  went  into  the  boat,  and  shoved  off.  The 
weather  was  moderate  and  the  wind  light.  There  were 
two  islets  which  Newton  had  marked,  which  apparently 
were  not  covered  at  high  water,  one  about  ten  miles  distant 
in  the  supposed  direction  of  the  land,  for  Newton  had 
shrewdly  guessed  the  locality  of  the  reef;  and  the  other 
about  two  miles  from  the  first,  further  out,  with  trees 
growing  to  the  water's  edge.  To  this  latter  Newton 
proposed  pulling,  and  waiting  there  until  the  next 
morning.  When  they  were  both  in  the  boat,  Newton 
finding  that  the  wind  was  contrary,  unshipped  the  mast, 
and  taking  the  foremost  oar,  that  Jackson  might  not  sit 
behind  him,  desired  him  to  take  the  other.  The  tide, 
which  was  now  flood,  and  swept  out  to  the  southward, 
obhged  them  to  pull  at  an  angle  to  reach  their  intended 
destination.  It  was  not  until  sunset  that,  with  great 
exertion,  they  fetched  the  island  nearest  to  the  land,  not 


132  Newton  Forster;  or, 

the  one  that  was  covered  with  trees,  as  they  had  intended. 
As  soon  as  the  boat  was  secured,  exhausted  with  fatigue, 
they  both  threw  themselves  down  on  the  sand,  where  they 
remained  for  some  time.  Having  recovered  a  Httle, 
Newton  procured  from  the  boat  some  of  the  supplies 
which  they  required,  and  after  satisfying  their  hunger  in 
silence,  they  both  lay  down  to  repose.  Newton,  who  was 
still  afraid  of  Jackson's  diabolical  enmity,  which  his  silence 
implied  to  be  again  at  work,  closed  his  eyes,  and  pretended 
for  some  time  to  be  asleep.  As  soon  as  it  was  dark,  he 
rose,  and  first  listening  to  the  breathing  of  his  comrade, 
who  appeared  to  be  in  a  sound  slumber,  he  walked  away 
from  him  about  one  hundred  yards,  so  that  it  would  be 
difficult  to  find  him  5  he  placed  the  handspike  under  his 
head  for  a  pillow,  and  worn  out  with  mental  and  bodily 
fatigue,  was  soon  in  a  state  of  oblivion. 

His  sleep,  although  profound  for  three  or  four  hours, 
was  subsequently  restless.  The  mind,  when  agitated, 
watches  for  the  body,  and  wakes  it  at  the  time  when  it 
should  be  on  the  alert.  Newton  woke  up  :  it  was  not  yet 
daylight,  and  all  was  hushed.  He  turned  round,  intending 
to  get  up  immediately ;  yet,  yielding  to  the  impulse  of 
wearied  nature,  he  again  slumbered.  Once  he  thought 
that  he  heard  a  footstep,  roused  himself,  and  listened ;  but 
all  was  quiet  and  still,  except  the  light  wave  rippling  on 
the  sand.  Again  he  was  roused  by  a  sort  of  grating  noise ; 
he  listened,  and  all  was  quiet.  A  third  time  he  was 
roused  by  a  sound  like  the  flapping  of  a  sail :  he  listened 
— he  was  sure  of  it,  and  he  sprang  upon  his  feet.  It  was 
dawn  of  day,  and  as  he  turned  his  eyes  towards  the  beach, 
he  perceived  to  his  horror  that  the  boat  was  indeed  under 
sail,  Jackson,  who  was  in  it,  then  just  hauling  aft  the 
main-sheet,  and  steering  away  from  the  island.  Newton 
ran  to  the  beach,  plunged  into  the  sea,  and  attempted  to 
regain  the  boat  j  but  he  was  soon  out  of  his  depth,  and 
the  boat  running  away  fast  through  the  water.  He 
shouted  to  Jackson  as  a  last  attempt.  The  scoundrel 
waved  his  hand  in  ironical  adieu,  and  continued  his  course. 


The  Merchant  Service  133 

'*  Treacherous  villain  !  "  mentally  exclaimed  Newton,  as 
nis  eyes  followed  the  boat.  "  "Was  it  for  this  that  I  pre- 
served your  life,  in  return  for  your  attempts  on  mine  ? 
Here,  then,  must  I  die  of  starvation ! — God's  will  be 
done  !  "  exclaimed  he  aloud,  as  he  sat  down  on  the  beach, 
and  covered  his  face  with  his  hands. 


Chapter  XVIII 

"  For  now  I  stand  as  one  upon  a  rock, 
Environed  with  a  wilderness  of  sea, 
Who  marks  the  waxing  tide  grow  wave  by  wave. 
Expecting  ever  when  some  envious  surge 
Will  in  his  brinish  bowels  swallow  him." 

Shakespeare. 

The  tide  was  on  the  ebb  when  Newton  was  left  in  this 
desolate  situation.  After  some  minutes  passed  in  bitter- 
ness of  spirit,  his  natural  courage  returned ;  and,  although 
the  chance  of  preservation  was  next  to  hopeless,  Newton 
rose  up,  resolved  that  he  would  use  his  best  efforts,  and 
trust  to  Providence  for  their  success.  His  first  idea  was 
to  examine  the  beach,  and  see  if  Jackson  had  left  him  any 
portion  of  the  provisions  which  he  had  put  into  the  boat ; 
but  there  was  nothing.  He  then  walked  along  the  beach, 
following  the  receding  tide,  with  the  hope  of  collecting 
any  shell-fish  which  might  be  left  upon  the  sands  ;  but  here 
again  he  was  disappointed.  It  was  evident,  therefore,  that 
to  stay  on  this  islet  was  to  starve ;  his  only  chance  ap- 
peared to  remain  in  his  capability  of  reaching  the  islet  next 
to  it,  which,  as  we  have  before  mentioned,  was  covered 
with  trees.  There,  at  least,  he  might  find  some  means  of 
sustenance,  and  be  able  with  the  wood  to  make  a  raft,  if 
nothing  better  should  turn  up  in  his  favour. 

The  tide  swept  down  towards  the  islet,  but  it  ran  so 
strong  that  there  was  a  chance  of  his  being  carried  past  it ; 
he  therefore  determined  to  wait  for  an  hour  or  two,  until 
the  strength  of  the  current  was  diminished,  and  then  make 


134  Newton  Forster;  or, 

the  attempt.  This  interval  was  passed  in  strengthening 
his  mind  against  the  horror  of  the  almost  positive  death 
which  stared  him  in  the  face. 

It  was  about  an  hour  before  low  water  that  Newton 
walked  into  the  sea,  and,  commending  himself  to  Providence, 
struck  out  for  the  islet,  keeping  his  course  well  to  wind- 
ward, to  allow  for  the  tide  sweeping  him  down.  To  use  a 
nautical  phrase,  he  **  held  his  own  "  extremely  well,  until  he 
reached  the  centre  of  the  channel,  where  the  water  ran 
with  great  velocity,  and  bore  him  down  rapidly  with  the 
stream.  Newton  struggled  hard ;  for  he  was  aware  that 
the  strength  of  the  current  once  passed,  his  labour  would 
be  comparatively  easy  ;  and  so  it  proved  :  as  he  neared  the 
shore  of  the  islet,  he  made  good  way  ;  but  he  had  been 
carried  down  so  far  when  in  the  centre  of  the  stream  that 
it  became  a  nice  point,  even  to  the  calculation  of  hope, 
whether  he  would  fetch  the  extreme  point  of  the  islet. 
Newton  redoubled  his  exertions,  when,  within  thirty  yards 
of  the  shore,  an  eddy  assisted  him,  and  he  made  sure  of 
success ;  but  when  within  ten  yards,  a  counter  current 
again  caught  him,  and  swept  him  down.  He  was  now 
abreast  of  the  very  extreme  point  of  the  islet ;  a  bush  that 
hung  over  the  water  was  his  only  hope  ;  with  three  or 
four  desperate  strokes  he  exhausted  his  remaining  strength, 
at  the  same  time  that  he  seized  hold  of  a  small  bough.  It 
was  decayed — snapped  asunder,  and  Newton  was  whirled 
away  by  the  current  into  the  broad  ocean. 

How  constantly  do  we  find  people  running  into  real 
danger  to  avoid  imaginary  evil !  A  mother  will  not  permit 
her  child  to  go  to  sea,  lest  it  should  be  drowned,  and  a 
few  days  afterwards  it  is  kicked  to  death  by  a  horse.  Had 
the  child  been  permitted  to  go  afloat,  he  might  have  lived 
and  run  through  the  usual  term  of  existence.  Wherever 
we  are,  or  wherever  we  may  go,  there  is  death  awaiting  us 
in  some  shape  or  another,  sooner  or  later ;  and  there  is  as 
much  danger  in  walking  through  the  streets  of  London  as 
in  ploughing  the  foaming  ocean.  Every  tile  over  our 
heads  contains  a  death  within  it  as  certain,  if  it  were  to 


The  Merchant  Service  135 

fall  upon  us,  as  that  occasioned  by  the  angry  surge  which 
swallows  us  up  in  its  wrath.  I  believe,  after  all,  that  as 
many  sailors,  in  proportion,  run  out  their  allotted  span  as 
the  rest  of  the  world  that  are  engaged  in  other  apparently 
less  dangerous  professions ;  although  it  must  be  acknow- 
ledged that  occasionally  we  do  become  food  for  fishes. 
"  There  is  a  tide  in  the  affairs  of  men,"  says  Shakespeare ; 
but,  certainly,  of  all  the  tides  that  ever  interfered  in  a 
man's  prospects,  that  which  swept  away  Newton  Forster 
appeared  to  be  the  least  likely  to  **  lead  to  fortune."  Such, 
however,  was  the  case.  Had  Newton  gained  the  islet 
which  he  coveted,  he  would  have  perished  miserably ; 
whereas  it  will  soon  appear  that,  although  his  sufferings 
are  not  yet  ended,  his  being  carried  away  was  the  most 
fortunate  circumstance  which  could  have  occurred,  and 
proved  the  means  of  his  ultimate  preservation. 

Newton  had  resigned  himself  to  his  fate.  He  ceased 
from  further  exertion,  except  such  as  was  necessary  to 
keep  him  above  water  a  little  longer.  Throwing  himself 
on  his  back,  he  appealed  to  Heaven  for  pardon,  as  he 
floated  away  with  the  stream.  That  Newton  had  as  few 
errors  and  follies  to  answer  for  as  most  people,  is  most 
certain ;  yet  even  the  most  perfect  soon  run  up  a  long 
account.  During  our  lives  our  sins  are  forgotten,  as  is  the 
time  at  which  they  were  committed ;  but  when  death  is 
certain,  or  appears  to  be  so,  it  is  then  that  the  memory 
becomes  most  horribly  perfect,  and  each  item  of  our 
monstrous  bill  requires  but  a  few  seconds  to  be  read,  and 
to  be  acknowledged  as  too  correct.  This  is  the  horror  of 
death ;  this  it  is  which  makes  the  body  struggle  to  retain 
the  soul,  already  pluming  herself  and  rustling  her  wings, 
impatient  for  her  flight.  This  it  is  which  constitutes  the 
pang  of  separation,  as  the  enfeebled  body  gradually  relaxes 
its  hold,  and — all  is  over,  at  least  on  this  side  of  the 
grave. 

Newton's  strength  was  exhausted ;  his  eyes  were  fixed 
on  the  clear  blue  sky,  as  if  to  bid  it  farewell ;  and,  resigned 
to  his  fate,  he  was  about  to  give  over  the  last  few  painful 


13^  Newton  Forster;  or, 

efforts  which  he  was  aware  could  only  prolong,  not  save 
his  life,  when  he  received  a  blow  on  his  shoulders  under 
the  water.  Imagining  that  it  proceeded  from  the  tail  of 
a  shark,  or  of  some  other  of  the  ravenous  monsters  of  the 
deep,  which  abound  among  these  islands,  and  that  the 
next  moment  his  body  would  be  severed  in  half,  he  uttered 
a  faint  cry  at  the  accumulated  horror  of  his  death ;  but  the 
next  moment  his  legs  were  swung  round  by  the  current, 
and  he  perceived,  to  his  astonishment,  that  he  was  aground 
upon  one  of  the  sand-banks  which  abounded  on  the  reef, 
and  over  which  the  tide  was  running  with  the  velocity  of 
a  sluice.  He  floundered,  then  rose,  and  found  himself  in 
about  one  foot  of  water.  The  ebb-tide  was  nearly  finished  ; 
and  this  was  one  of  the  banks  which  never  showed  itself 
above  water,  except  during  the  full  and  change  of  the 
moon.  It  was  now  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
the  sun  shone  with  great  power.  Newton,  faint  from  want 
of  sustenance,  hardly  knew  whether  to  consider  this  tem- 
porary respite  as  an  advantage.  He  knew  that  the  tide 
would  soon  flow  again,  and  he  felt  that  his  strength  was 
too  much  spent  to  enable  him  to  swim  back  to  the  islet 
which  he  had  missed  when  he  had  attempted  to  reach  it, 
and  which  was  more  than  two  miles  from  the  bank  upon 
which  he  then  stood.  What  chance  had  he,  then,  but  to 
be  swept  away  by  the  return  of  the  tide  ?  He  almost 
regretted  that  it  had  not  been  a  shark  instead  of  the  sand- 
bank which  had  struck  him ;  he  would  then  have  been 
spared  a  few  hours  of  protracted  misery. 

As  Newton  had  foreseen,  the  ebb-tide  was  soon  over ; 
a  short  pause  of  "slack  water"  ensued,  and  there  was 
an  evident  and  rapid  increase  of  the  water  around  him : 
the  wind,  too,  freshened,  and  the  surface  of  the  ocean 
was  in  strong  ripples.  As  the  water  deepened,  so  did 
the  waves  increase  in  size  :  every  moment  added  to  his 
despair.  He  had  now  remained  about  four  hours  on  the 
bank  !  the  water  had  risen  to  underneath  his  arms,  the 
waves  nearly  lifted  him  off  his  feet,  and  it  was  with 
difficulty  that  he  could  retain  his  position.     Hope  deserted 


The  Merchant  Service  137 

him,  and  his  senses  became  confused.  He  thought  that 
he  saw  green  fields,  and  cities,  and  inhabitants.  His 
reason  was  departing ;  he  saw  his  father  coming  down  to 
him  with  the  tide,  and  called  to  him  for  help,  when  the 
actual  sight  of  something  recalled  him  from  his  temporary 
aberration.  There  was  a  dark  object  upon  the  water, 
evidently  approaching.  His  respiration  was  almost  sus- 
pended as  he  watched  its  coming.  At  last  he  distinguished 
that  it  must  either  be  a  whale  asleep,  or  a  boat  bottom 
up.  Fortunately  for  Newton,  it  proved  to  be  the  latter. 
At  last  it  was  brought  down  by  the  tide  to  within  a 
few  yards  of  him,  and  appeared  to  be  checked.  Newton 
dashed  out  towards  the  boat,  and  in  a  minute  was  safely 
astride  upon  it.  As  soon  as  he  had  recovered  a  little  from 
his  agitation,  he  perceived  that  it  was  the  very  boat  be- 
longing to  the  brig,  in  which  Jackson  had  so  treacherously 
deserted  and  left  him  on  the  island  ! 

At  three  o'clock  it  was  high  water,  and  at  five  the 
water  had  again  retreated,  so  that  Newton  could  quit  his 
station  on  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and  walk  round  her. 
He  then  righted  her,  and  discovered  that  the  mast  had 
been  carried  away  close  to  the  step,  but,  with  the  sail, 
still  remained  fast  to  the  boat  by  the  main-sheet,  which 
had  jammed  on  the  belaying  pin,  so  that  it  still  was 
serviceable.  Everything  else  had  been  lost  out  of  the 
boat,  except  the  grapnel,  which  had  been  bent,  and  which 
hanging  down  in  the  water,  from  the  boat  being  capsized, 
had  brought  it  up  when  it  was  floated  on  the  sand-bank. 
Newton,  who  had  neither  eaten  nor  drunk  since  the  night 
before,  was  again  in  despair,  tormented  as  he  was  by  in- 
sufferable thirst :  when  he  observed  that  the  locker  under 
the  stern-sheets  was  closed.  He  hastened  to  pull  it  open, 
and  found  that  the  bottles  of  wine  and  cider  which  he 
had  deposited  there  were  remaining.  A  bottle  of  the 
latter  was  soon  poured  down  his  throat,  and  Newton  felt 
as  if  restored  to  his  former  vigour. 

At  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  boat  was  nearly 
high   and  dry.     Newton  baled   her  out,  and,  fixing  the 


138  Newton  Forster;  or, 

grapnel  firmly  in  the  sand,  lay  down  to  sleep  in  the  stern- 
sheets,  covered  over  with  the  sail.  His  sleep  was  so 
sound  that  he  did  not  wake  until  six  o'clock  the  next 
morning ;  when  the  boat  was  again  aground.  He  re- 
freshed himself  with  some  wine,  and  meditated  upon  his 
prospect.  Thanking  Heaven  for  a  renewed  chance  of 
escape,  and  lamenting  over  the  fate  of  the  unprepared 
Jackson,  who  had  evidently  been  upset,  from  the  main- 
sheet  having  been  jammed,  Newton  resolved  to  make  for 
one  of  the  English  isles,  which  he  knew  to  be  about  two 
hundred  miles  distant. 

The  oars  had  been  lost,  but  the  rudder  of  the  boat  was 
fortunately  made  fast  by  a  pennant.  In  the  afternoon  he 
drew  up  his  grapnel,  and  made  sail  in  the  direction,  as 
well  as  he  could  judge  from  the  position  of  the  sun,  to 
the  English  isles.  As  the  night  closed  in,  he  watched 
the  stars,  and  steered  his  course  by  them. 

The  next  day  came,  and,  although  the  boat  sailed  well, 
and  went  fast  before  a  free  wind,  no  land  was  in  sight. 
Newton  had  again  recourse  to  the  cider  and  the  wine. 

The  second  night  he  could  hardly  keep  his  eyes  open ; 
yet,  wearied  as  he  was,  he  still  continued  his  course,  and 
never  quitted  his  helm.  The  day  again  dawned,  and 
Newton's  strength  was  gone,  from  constant  watching ; 
still  he  bore  up  against  it,  until  the  sun  had  set. 

No  land  was  yet  to  be  seen,  and  sleep  overpowered  him. 
He  took  a  hitch  of  the  main-sheet  round  his  finger,  that, 
should  the  breeze  freshen,  he  might  be  roused,  in  case 
he  should  go  to  sleep ;  and,  having  taken  this  precaution, 
in  a  few  minutes  the  boat  was  steering  herself. 


The  Merchant  Service  139 


Chapter  XIX 

"But  man.  proud  man, 
Dress'd  in  a  little  brief  authority, 
Most  ignorant  of  what  he's  most  assured, 
His  glassy  essence,  like  an  angry  ape, 
Plays  such  fantastic  tricks  before  high  Heaven." 

Shakes  PE.\RE. 

The  reef  upon  which  the  brig  had  been  wrecked  was  one 
of  those  extending  along  the  southward  of  the  Virgin 
Isles.  Newton  had  intended  to  steer  well  to  the  east- 
ward, with  the  view  of  reaching  one  of  the  northernmost 
English  colonies  ;  but  not  having  a  compass,  he  naturally 
was  not  very  equal  in  his  course.  The  fact  was  that  he 
steered  well  to  the  southward  of  it ;  and  after  he  fell 
asleep,  the  boat  ran  away  still  further  off  her  course,  for 
she  was  on  the  larboard  tack,  and  having  no  weight  in 
her  except  Newton,  who  was  aft  in  the  stern-sheets,  she 
did  not  feel  inclined  to  keep  her  wind.  Newton's  sleep 
was  so  profound,  that  neither  the  pulling  of  the  main- 
sheet,  which  he  held  with  a  round  turn  round  his  hand, 
nor  the  dancing  of  the  boat,  which  during  the  night  had 
run  fast  before  an  increasing  breeze,  roused  him  from 
his  lethargy.  On  sailed  the  boat,  left  to  the  steerage  of 
Providence ;  on  slept  Newton,  as  if  putting  firm  reliance 
in  the  same.  It  was  not  until  the  break  of  day  that  his 
repose  was  very  abruptly  broken  by  a  shock,  which  threw 
him  from  the  stern-sheets  of  the  boat,  right  over  the 
aftermost  thwart.  Newton  recovered  his  legs,  and  his 
senses,  and  found  himself  alongside  of  a  vessel.  He  had 
run  stem  on  to  a  small  schooner,  which  was  lying  at 
anchor.  As  the  boat  was  drifting  fast  by,  Newton  made 
a  spring,  and  gained  the  deck  of  the  vessel. 

"  Ah  !  mon  Dieu  ! — les  Anglais — les  Anglais — nous 
sommes  prisonniers !  "  cried  out  the  only  man  on  deck, 
jumping  on  his  feet,  and  making  a  precipitate  dive  below. 

The  vessel,  of  which  Newton  had  thus  taken  possession. 


I40  Newton  Forster;  or, 

was  one  employed  in  carrying  the  sugars  from  the  planta- 
tions round  to  Basse  Terre,  the  port  of  Guadaloupe,  there 
to  be  shipped  for  Europe, — Newton's  boat  having  run 
away  so  far  to  the  southward,  as  to  make  this  island. 
She  was  lying  at  anchor  off  the  mouth  of  a  small  river, 
waiting  for  a  cargo. 

It  happened  that  the  crew  of  the  schooner,  who  were 
all  slaves,  were  exactly  in  the  same  situation  as  Newton, 
when  their  vessels  came  in  contact — viz.,  fast  asleep. 
The  shock  had  awakened  them ;  but  they  were  all  below 
except  the  one  who  had  kept  such  a  remarkably  good 
watch. 

Exhausted  as  Newton  was,  he  could  not  but  smile  at 
his  uninterrupted  possession  of  the  vessel's  decks.  Anxious 
to  have  communication  with  the  people  on  board,  he  sat 
down,  awaiting  their  coming  up  from  below.  In  a  minute 
or  two,  a  black  head  was  seen  to  rise  slowly  and  fearfully 
out  of  the  fore-scuttle ;  then  it  disappeared.  Another 
rose  up  and  went  down  again  as  before ;  and  thus  it  went 
on  until  Newton  reckoned  ten  different  faces.  Having 
individually  ascertained  that  there  was  but  one  man,  and 
that  one  not  provided  with  any  weapons,  the  negroes 
assumed  a  degree  of  courage.  The  first  head  that  had 
made  its  appearance,  the  woolly  hair  of  which  was  of  a 
grizzly  gray  from  age,  was  again  popped  up  the  fore- 
scuttle,  with  an  interrogatory  to  Newton,  in  French,  who 
he  was,  and  what  he  wanted  ?  Newton,  who  did  not 
understand  a  word  of  the  language,  shook  his  head,  and, 
opening  his  hands  and  extending  his  arms,  to  show  that 
he  had  no  means  of  defence,  he  beckoned  to  them  to  come 
up.  The  man's  head  had  again  disappeared,  and,  after 
a  little  demur,  nine  or  ten  negroes  crawled  up  out  of  the 
fore-scuttle,  one  after  another,  each  with  some  weapon 
or  another  by  way  of  security.  They  remained  on  the 
forecastle  of  the  vessel  until  the  last  was  up;  and  then 
at  a  nod  given  by  their  grizzle-headed  leader,  they 
advanced  aft  in  a  body  towards  Newton.  Newton  rose 
and  pointed  to  the  boat,  which  had  now  drifted  about  a 


The  Merchant  Service  141 

quarter  of  a  mile  astern.  He  then  made  signs  to  give 
them  to  understand  that  he  had  been  wrecked. 

"  Apparemment  c'est  un  pauvre  miserable,  qui  a  fait 
naufrage,"  observed  the  old  negro,  who  appeared  to  have 
the  charge  of  the  vessel ;  "  Gustave  Adolphe,  tu  paries  bien 
1' Anglais ;  demandez-lui  les  nouvelles,"  continued  the  old 
man,  folding  his  arms  across,  and  looking  very  big  indeed, 
as  he  reclined  against  the  mainmast  of  the  vessel. 

Gustave  Adolphe  stood  forward  from  the  rest  of  the 
negroes.  He  was  a  short,  fat,  shiny-faced  fellow,  with  his 
hair  platted  into  about  fifty  little  tails.  He  first  bowed  to 
his  old  commander,  then  placing  his  arms  akimbo,  walked 
up  to  Newton,  and  looking  him  full  in  the  face,  commenced 
his  duty  of  interpreter,  as  follows  ; — 

«<  I  say— God  dam " 

Newton  smiled, 

**  Oui,  monsieur,  c'est  un  Anglais." 

**  Continuez,  Gustave  Adolphe,"  replied  the  old  negro, 
with  a  majestic  air. 

Gustave  Adolphe,  with  another  bow,  resumed : 

**  I  say — where  com  ?  " 

**  Barbadoes,"  replied  Newton. 

"  Monsieur,  il  vient  de  Barbadoes." 

**  Continuez,  Gustave  Adolphe,"  replied  his  superior, 
with  a  wave  of  his  hand. 

"  I  say — where  go  ?  " 

"  Where  go  ?  "  replied  Newton,  **  go  to  the  bottom." 

**  Monsieur,  il  allait  au  port  de  Bo — torn." 

**  Bo — tom,"  repeated  the  old  negro.  *'  Ou  diable  est 
9a  r 

Here  a  general  consultation  was  held,  by  which  it 
appeared  that  such  a  port  had  never  been  heard  of  in  the 
West  Indies. 

"  Gustave  Adolphe,  demandez-lui  si  c'est  un  port 
Anglais." 

"  I  say — Bo — tom — English  port  ? " 

"-^"No,"  replied  Newton,  amused  with  the  mistake  5  "  I 
should  rather  call  it  neutral^ 


142  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  C'est  un  port  neutral,  monsieur." 

**  Gustave  Adolphe,  demandez-lui  de  quelle  lie." 

**  I  say,  what  isle — Bo — torn  ?  " 

Newton,  who  was  faint  with  hunger  and  thirst,  was  not 
inclined  at  the  moment  to  continue  the  conversation,  which 
otherwise  would  have  been  a  source  of  amusement.  He 
replied  by  making  signs  that  he  wished  to  eat  and  drinko 

**  Monsieur,"  said  Gustave  Adolphe  to  the  old  negro, 
"  le  prisonnier  refuse  de  faire  reponse,  et  demande  a 
manger  et  a  boire." 

"  Va  Fen  chercher,  Gustave  Adolphe,"  replied  the  old 
man.  "  AUons,  messieurs,"  continued  he,  addressing  the 
other  negroes.  **  II  faut  lever  Tancre  de  suite,  et  amener 
notre  prisonnier  aux  autorites  ;  Charles  Philippe,  va 
chercher  mon  porte-voix." 

The  negro  captain  walked  up  and  down  the  deck  of  the 
schooner,  a  vessel  about  thirty  feet  long,  until  Charles 
Philippe  made  his  appearance  with  the  speaking-trumpet. 
He  then  proceeded  to  get  the  vessel  under  weigh,  with 
more  noise  and  fuss  than  is  to  be  heard  when  the  proudest 
three-decker  in  the  English  navy  expands  her  lofty  canvas 
to  the  gale. 

Gustave  Adolphe,  in  obedience  to  the  commands  he  had 
received,  brought  up  to  Newton  a  bunch  of  bananas,  a 
large  piece  of  salt  fish,  and  a  calabash  of  water.  The 
latter  was  immediately  applied  to  his  lips,  and  never 
removed  while  a  drop  remained,  much  to  the  astonishment 
of  the  negro,  who  again  sported  his  English. 

"  I  say — very  good — ab  more  ?  " 

**  If  you  please,"  replied  Newton. 

"  Monsieur,"  said  Gustave  Adolphe  to  his  commander, 
"  le  prisonnier  a  soif,  et  demande  encore  de  I'eau." 

**  Va  Ten  chercher  done,"  replied  the  old  negro,  with 
a  wave  of  his  speaking-trumpet.  "  Charles  Philippe, 
attention  a  la  barre,*  sans  venir  au  vent,  s'il  vous  plait. 
Matelots  j-  du  gaillard  d'avant,"  continued  he,  roaring 
through  his  speaking-trumpet !  "  bordez  le  grand  foe." 
*  Mind  your  weather-helm.  f  Forecastlemen,  haul  ait  the  jib-sheet. 


The  Merchant  Service  143 

In  the  space  of  two  hours,  the  schooner  was  brought  to 
an  anchor,  with  as  much  noise  and  importance  as  she  had 
been  got  under  weigh.  A  boat  capable  of  holding  three 
people — one  rower  and  two  sitters — was  shoved  oiF  the 
vessel's  deck,  and  the  negro  captain,  having  first  descended 
to  his  cabin  for  a  few  minutes,  returned  on  deck  dressed 
in  the  extremity  of  their  fashion,  and  ordered  the  boat  to 
be  manned. 

Gustave  Adolphe  accordingly  manned  the  boat  with  his 
own  person,  and  the  negro  captain  politely  waved  his 
hand  for  Newton  to  enter  ;  and  then,  following  himself, 
Gustave  Adolphe  rowed  to  a  landing-place,  about  twenty 
yards  from  the  schooner. 

"  Gustave  Adolphe,  suivez  en  arriere,  et  gardez  bien 
que  le  prisonnier  n'echappe  pas  •, "  so  saying,  monsieur  le 
capitaine  led  the  way  to  a  large  white  house  and  buildings, 
about  two  hundred  yards  from  the  river's  banks.  On 
their  arrival,  Newton  was  surrounded  by  twenty  or  thirty 
slaves  of  both  sexes,  who  chattered  and  jabbered  a  thou- 
sand questions  concerning  him  to  the  negro  captain  and 
Gustave  Adolphe,  neither  of  whom  condescended  to  reply. 

**  Monsieur  de  Fontanges — ou  est-il  ?"  inquired  the  old 
negro. 

"  Monsieur  dort,"  replied  a  little  female  voice. 

The  captain  was  taken  aback  at  this  unfortunate  circum- 
stance ;  for  no  one  dared  to  wake  their  master. 

**  Et  Madame  ?  "  inquired  he. 

"  Madame  est  dans  sa  chambre.' 

There  again  he  was  floored — he  could  not  venture 
there  ;  so  he  conducted  Newton,  who  was  not  very  sorry 
to  escape  from  the  burning  rays  of  the  sun,  to  his  own 
habitation,  where  an  old  negress,  his  wife,  soon  obtained 
from  the  negro  that  information  relative  to  the  capture  of 
Newton  which  the  bevy  of  slaves  in  the  yard  had  attempted 
in  vain — but  wives  have  such  winning  ways  with  them  ! 


144  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter   XX 

*•  What  elegance  and  grandeur  wide  expand, 
The  pride  of  Turkey  and  of  Persia  land  ! 
Soft  quilts  on  quilts,  on  carpets  carpets  spread, 
And  couches  stretch'd  around  in  seemly  band, 
And  endless  pillows  rise  to  prop  the  head. 
•  •  *  '  •  •  • 

Here  languid  Beauty  kept  her  pale-faced  court." 

Thomson. 

The  female  slaves  who  could  not  obtain  the  history  of 
Newton  immediately  repaired  to  the  chamber  of  their 
mistress,  knowing  that  if  they  could  succeed  in  raising  her 
curiosity,  they  would  at  the  same  time  gratify  their  own. 
Madame  de  Fontanges  was,  as  they  asserted,  in  her 
chamber,  or,  what  may  now  be  more  correctly  styled,  her 
boudoir.  It  was  a  room  about  fourteen  feet  square,  the 
sides  of  which  were  covered  with  a  beautiful  paper,  repre- 
senting portions  of  the  history  of  Paul  and  Virginia  :  the 
floor  was  covered  with  fine  matting,  with  here  and  there  a 
small  Persian  carpet  above  it.  Small  marble  tables  were 
decorated  with  a  variety  of  ornaments  and  French  per- 
fumes, or  vases  filled  with  the  splendid  flowers  of  a 
tropical  clime.  There  was  a  large  window  at  each  end  of 
the  room,  cut  down  to  the  ground,  in  the  French  fashion  ; 
and  outside  of  both  was  a  little  balcony — the  trellice-work 
covered  with  passion-flower  and  clematis.  The  doors  and 
other  compartments  of  the  room  were  not  papered,  but  had 
French  mirrors  let  into  the  pannelling.  On  a  low  ottoman 
of  elegant  workmanship,  covered  with  a  damasked  French 
silk,  reposed  Madame  de  Fontanges,  attended  by  three  or 
four  young  female  slaves,  of  different  complexions,  but 
none  of  pure  African  blood.  Others  were  seated  upon  the 
different  Persian  carpets  about  the  room,  in  listless  idleness, 
or  strewing  the  petals  of  the  orange-flower,  to  perfume  the 
apartment  with  its  odour.  The  only  negro  was  a  little 
boy,  about  six  years  of  age,  dressed  in  a  fantastic  costume, 
who  sat  in  a  corner,  apparently  in  a  very  sulky  humour. 


The  Merchant  Service  145 

Madame  de  Fontanges  was  a  Creole, — that  is,  born  in 
the  West  Indies  of  French  parents.  She  had  been  sent 
home  to  France  for  her  education,  and  had  returned  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  to  Guadaloupe,  where  she  soon  after 
married  Monsieur  de  Fontanges,  an  officer  of  rank,  and 
brpther  to  the  governor  of  the  island.  Her  form  was 
diminutive,  but  most  perfect ;  her  hand  and  arm  models 
for  the  statuary ;  while  her  feet  were  so  small  as  almost  to 
excite  risibility  when  you  observed  them.  Her  features 
were  regular,  and  when  raised  from  her  usual  listlessness, 
full  of  expression.  Large  hazel  eyes,  beautifully  pencilled 
eyebrows,  with  long  fringed  eyelashes,  dark  and  luxuriant 
hair,  Grecian  nose,  small  mouth,  with  thin  coral  lips,  were 
set  off  by  a  complexion  which  even  the  climate  could  not 
destroy,  although  it  softened  it  into  extreme  delicacy. 

Such  was  the  person  of  Madame  de  Fontanges,  now 
about  eighteen  years  old,  and  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
specimens  of  the  French  Creole  which  could  be  imagined. 
Her  perfect  little  figure  needed  no  support ;  she  was 
simply  attired  in  a  muslin  robe  de  chambre,  as  she  reposed 
upon  the  ottoman,  waiting  with  all  the  impatience  of  her 
caste  for  the  setting  in  of  the  sea-breeze,  which  would 
give  some  relief  from  the  oppressive  heat  of  the  climate, 

"  Eventez  !  Nina,  eventez  !  "  cried  she  to  one  of  her 
attendants,  who  was  standing  at  the  head  of  the  sofa  with 
a  large  feather  fan. 

"  Oui,  madame,"  replied  the  girl,  stirring  up  the 
dormant  atmosphere. 

*'  Eventez  !   Caroline,  eventez  mes  mains,  vite." 

*'  Oui,  madame,"  replied  the  second,  working  away 
with  another  fan. 

**  Eventez  !   eventez  mes  pieds,  Mimi." 

"  Oui,  madame,"  replied  the  third,  fanning  in  the 
direction  pointed  out. 

"  Louise,"  said  Madame  de  Fontanges,  languidly,  after 
a  short  pause,  *'  apportez-moi  de  I'eau  sucree." 

"  Oui,  madame/'  rephed  another,  rising,  in  obedience 
to  the  order. 


146  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Non,  non !  Je  n'en  veux  pas — mais  j'ai  soif  horrible. 
Manchette,  va  chercher  de  I'eau  cerise." 

"  Oui,  madame,"  replied  Manchette,  rising  from  her 
seat.  But  she  had  not  quitted  the  room  before  Madame 
de  Fontanges  had  changed  her  mind. 

"  Attendez,  Manchette.  Ce  n'est  pas  9a.  Je  voudrais 
de  limonade.     Charlotte,  va  Ten  chercher." 

"  Oui,  madame,"  said  Charlotte,  leaving  the  room  to 
execute  the  order. 

"  Ah,  mon  Dieu  !  qu'il  fait  une  chaleur  epouvantable. 

**  Mimi,  que  tu  es  paresseuse  ?     Eventez  !  vite,  vite. 

"  Ou  est  Monsieur  ?  " 

"  Monsieur  dort.'* 

*'  Ah  !  qu'il  est  heureux.     Et  Cupidon — ou  est-il  ?  " 

"  II  est  ici,  au  coin,  madame.     II  boude." 

"  Qu'est-ce  qu'il  a  fait  done  ? " 

**  Ah,  madame  !  II  a  vole  le  dindon  roti,  et  I'a  tout 
mange." 

**  Ah,  le  petit  polisson  !     Venez  ici,  Cupidon." 

Cupidon,  the  little  negro-boy  we  have  before  mentioned 
as  sitting  in  the  corner  of  the  room,  walked  up  with  a  very 
deliberate  pace  to  the  side  of  the  ottoman,  his  two  thick 
lips  sticking  out  about  six  inches  in  advance  of  the 
remainder  of  his  person. 

"  Cupidon,"  said  the  lady,  turning  a  little  on  one  side 
to  speak  to  him,  "  tu  as  mange  le  dindon  entier.  Tu  as 
mal  fait,  mon  ami.  Tu  seras  malade.  Comprends-tu, 
Cupidon,  c'est  une  sottise  que  tu  as  fait  ?  " 

Cupidon  made  no  reply  ;  his  head  was  hung  down  a 
little  lower,  and  his  lips  extended  a  little  further  out. 

"  Sache  que  tu  es  un  petite  voleur  !  "  continued  his 
mistress. 

Cupidon  did  not  condescend  to  answer. 

"  Allez,  monsieur ;  ne  m'approchez  pas." 

Cupidon  turned  short  round  without  reply,  and  walked 
back  to  his  corner  with  the  same  deliberate  pace  as  before, 
when  he  came  out  of  it. 

Charlotte  now  returned  with  the  lemonade  for  which 


The  Merchant  Service  147 

she  had  been  despatched,  and  informed  her  mistress  as  she 
presented  it,  that  Nicholas,  who  had  charge  of  the  schooner, 
had  returned  with  an  European  prisoner  ;  but  that  neither 
he  nor  Gustave  would  give  her  any  further  information, 
although  she  had  requested  it  in  the  name  of  her  mistress. 
This  was  quite  an  event,  and  gave  a  fillip  to  the  inertness 
of  Madame  de  Fontanges,  whose  curiosity  was  excited. 

"  A-t-il  bonne  mine,  Charlotte  ? " 

"  Oui,  madame,  c'est  un  bel  homme." 

"  Et  ou  est-ii  ?  " 

**  Avec  Nicholas." 

"  Et  Monsieur  ?  " 

*'  Monsieur  dort." 

**I1  faut  I'eveiller.  Faltes  bien  mes  compliments  au 
Monsieur  de  Fontanges,  et  dites-lui  que  je  me  trouve  fort 
malade,  et  que  je  voudrais  lui  parler.  Entends-tu,  Celeste  j 
je  parle  a  toi." 

'*  Oui,  madame,"  replied  the  girl,  throwing  some  orange 
flowers  off  her  lap,  and  rising  to  deliver  her  message. 

M.  de  Fontanges,  who,  hke  most  of  the  Europeans, 
slept  through  the  hottest  portion  of  the  day,  rose  in 
compliance  with  his  wife's  message,  and  made  his  appear- 
ance in  the  boudoir,  dressed  in  a  white  cotton  jacket  and 
trousers.  A  few  polite  inquiries  after  the  health  of 
Madame  de  Fontanges,  which,  as  he  had  conjectured  from 
similar  previous  occurrences,  was  not  worse  than  usual, 
were  followed  by  his  receiving  from  her  the  information 
of  Newton's  arrival,  coupled  with  an  observation,  that  it 
would  amuse  her  if  the  prisoner  were  interrogated  in  her 
presence. 

Newton  was  summoned  to  the  boudoir,  where  M.  de 
Fontanges,  who  spoke  very  good  English,  received  from 
him  the  history  of  his  disasters,  and  translated  them  into 
French,  to  gratify  the  curiosity  of  his  wife. 

"  C'est  un  beau  gar^on,"  observed  M.  de  Fontanges. 
"  Mais  que  faire  ?  II  est  prisonnier.  II  faut  I'envoyer 
a  mon  frere,  le  gouverneur." 

"  II   est  joli   gargon,"  replied   Madame  de  Fontanges. 


148  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Donnez-lui  des  habits,  Fontanges  ;  et  ne  Tenvoyez  pas 
encore." 

"  Et  pourquoi,  mon  amie  ?  " 

"  Je  voudrais  lui  apprendre  le  Fran9ais." 

**  Cela  ne  se  pent  pas,  ma  chere  ;  il  est  prisonnier.'' 

**  Cela  se  pent.  Monsieur  de  Fontanges,"  replied  the 
lady. 

**  Je  n'ose  pas,"  continued  the  husband. 

"  Moi  j'ose,"  replied  the  lady,  decidedly. 

*'  Je  ne  voudrais  pas,"  said  the  gentleman. 

**  Moi,  je  veux,"  interrupted  the  lady. 

"  Mais  il  faut  etre  raisonnable,  madame." 

*'  II  faut  m'obeir,  monsieur." 

'^  Mais " 

"  Pschut !  "  replied  the  lady ;  '*  c'est  une  affaire 
decidee.  Monsieur  le  gouverneur  ne  parle  pas  I'Anglais. 
C'est  ahsolument  necessaire  que  le  jeune  homme  apprenne 
notre  langue ;  et  c'est  mon  plaisir  de  I'enseigner.  Au 
revoir,  Monsieur  de  Fontanges.  Charlotte,  va  chercher 
des  habits." 


Chapter  XXI 

•^  'Tis  pleasing  to  be  schoold  in  a  strange  tongue 
By  female  lips  and  eyes  ;  that  is,  I  mean 
When  both  the  teacher  and  the  taught  are  young, 
As  was  the  case,  at  least,  where  I  had  been. 
They  smile  so  when  one's  right,  and  when  one's  wrong 
They  smile  still  more." 

Byron. 

M.  DE  Fontanges,  aware  of  the  impetuosity  and  caprice 
of  his  wife  (at  the  same  time  that  he  acknowledged  her 
many  redeeming  good  qualities),  did  not  further  attempt 
to  thwart  her  inclinations.  His  great  objection  to  her  plan 
was  the  impropriety  of  retaining  a  prisoner  whom  he  was 
bound  to  give  up  to  the  proper  authorities.  He  made  a 
virtue  of  necessity,  and  having  acquainted  Newton  with 
the  wish  of  Madame  de  Fontanges,  requested  his  parole 


The  Merchant  Service  149 

of  honour  that  he  would  not  attempt  to  escape,  if  he  was 
not  delivered  up  to  the  authorities,  and  remain  some  time 
at  Lieu  Desire.  Newton,  who  had  no  wish  to  be  ac- 
quainted with  a  French  cachot  sooner  than  it  was  absolutely 
necessary,  gave  the  promise  required  by  M.  de  Fontanges, 
assuring  him  that  ingratitude  was  not  a  part  of  his 
character.  M.  de  Fontanges  then  requested  that  Newton 
would  accept  of  a  portion  of  his  wardrobe,  which  he 
would  direct  to  be  sent  to  the  room  that  would  be  pre- 
pared for  him.  This  affair  being  arranged,  Newton  made 
his  bow  to  the  lady,  and  in  company  with  M.  de  Fontanges, 
retired  from  the  boudoir. 

It  may  be  suspected  by  the  reader,  that  Madame  de 
Fontanges  was  one  of  those  ladies  who  cared  a  great 
deal  about  having  her  own  way,  and  very  little  for  her 
husband.  As  to  the  first  part  of  the  accusation,  I  can 
only  observe,  that  I  never  yet  had  the  fortune  to  fall  in 
with  any  lady  who  did  not  try  all  she  could  to  have  her 
own  way,  nor  do  I  conceive  it  to  be  a  crime.  As  to 
the  second,  if  the  reader  has  formed  that  supposition,  he 
is  much  mistaken.  Madame  de  Fontanges  was  very  much 
attached  to  her  husband,  and  the  attachment  as  well  as 
the  confidence  was  reciprocal. 

It  was  not,  therefore,  from  any  feeling  of  jealousy  that 
M.  de  Fontanges  had  combated  her  resolution  j  but,  as 
we  have  before  observed,  from  a  conviction  that  he  was 
wanting  in  his  duty,  when  he  did  not  report  the  arrival 
of  Newton  at  the  plantation.  The  wish  of  Madame  de 
Fontanges  to  detain  Newton  was,  as  she  had  declared, 
a  caprice  on  her  part,  which  had  entered  her  head,  to 
amuse  herself  by  teaching  him  French.  It  is  true  that 
had  not  Newton  been  remarkably  prepossessing  in  his 
appearance,  the  idea  would  in  all  probability  have  never 
been  conceived ;  but,  observing  that  he  was  much  above 
the  common  class,  and  wishing  to  relieve  the  general 
monotony  of  her  life  by  anything  which  would  create 
amusement,  she  had  formed  the  idea,  which,  when  com- 
bated by  her  husband,  was  immediately  strengthened  to 
a  resolution. 


150  Newton  Forster 


Of  this  Newton  received  the  benefit.  An  excellent  din- 
ner or  rather  supper  with  M.  de  Fontanges,  a  comfortable 
bed  in  a  room  supplied  with  all  that  convenience  or  luxury 
could  demand,  enabled  him  to  pass  a  very  different  night 
from  those  which  we  have  lately  described. 

About  twelve  o'clock  the  ensuing  day,  Newton  was 
summoned  by  one  of  the  slave  girls  to  the  boudoir  of 
Madame  de  Fontanges.  He  found  her  on  the  ottoman,  as 
before.  Newton,  who  had  been  operated  upon  by  a  black 
barber,  and  was  dressed  in  the  habiliments  of  M.  de  Fon- 
tanges, made  a  much  more  respectable  appearance  than 
upon  his  former  introduction. 

**  Bon  jour,  monsieur,"  said  the  lady, 

Newton  bowed  respectfully. 

**  Comment  vous  appelez-vous  ?  ** 

Newton,  not  understanding,  answered  with  another  bow. 

"  Le  jeune  homme  n'entends  pas,  madame,"  observed 
Mimi. 

**  Que  c*est  ennuyant.  Monsieur,"  said  Madame  Fon- 
tanges, pointing  to  herself,  *'  moi, — Madame  de  Fontanges  : 
vous  ?  "  pointing  to  him. 

"  Newton  Forster." 

**Nu-tong  Fasta — ah,  c'est  bon;  cela  commence,"  said 
the  lady.  **  AUons,  mes  enfans,  repetez-lui  tons  vos 
noms." 

**  Moi — Mimi,"  said  the  girl  bearing  that  name,  going  up 
to  Newton,  and  pointing  to  herself. 

*'  Mimi,"  repeated  Newton,  with  a  smile  and  nod  of  his 
head. 

''  Moi— Charlotte." 

'*  Moi— Louise." 

"  Moi— Celeste." 

"  Moi— Nina." 

"  Moi— Caroline." 

"  Moi — Manchette." 

"  Et  moi — Cupidon,"  finished  the  little  black  boy,  run- 
ning up,  and  then  retreating  as  fast  back  into  his  corner. 

Newton  repeated  ail  the  names,  as  the  individuals  respec- 


The  Merchant  Service  151 

tively  introduced  themselves  to  him.  Then  there  was  a 
pause,  during  which,  at  the  desire  of  Madame  de  Fontanges, 
Newton  was  offered  a  chair,  and  sat  down. 

**  AUons,  dites-lui  les  noms  de  toute  la  garniture,"  said 
Madame  de  Fontanges  to  her  attendants. 

"  Oui,  madame,"  said  Mimi,  going  up  to  Newton,  and, 
pointing  to  the  fan  in  her  hand, — "eventail." 

*'  Eventail,"  repeated  Newton,  who  began  to  be  amused, 
and  who  now  repeated  every  French  word  after  them. 

**  Flagon,"  said  Charlotte,  showing  him  the  eau-de- 
Cologne  bottle. 

*'  Chaise,"  cried  Louise,  holding  up  a  chair. 

**  Livre,"  said  Nina,  pointing  to  a  book. 

*'  Mouchoir,"  said  Caroline,  holding  up  an  embroidered 
handkerchief. 

'*Montre,"  followed  up  Manchette,  pointing  to  her 
mistress's  watch. 

**  Canape,"  cried  Celeste,  pointing  to  the  ottoman. 

**  Joli  gar9on,"  bawled  out  Cupidon,  coming  up  to 
Newton,  and  pointing  to  himself. 

This  created  a  laugh,  and  then  the  lesson  was  continued. 
Every  article  in  the  room  was  successively  pointed  out  to 
Newton,  and  he  was  obliged  to  repeat  the  name  ;  and  after- 
wards the  articles  of  their  dress  were  resorted  to,  much  to 
his  amusement.  Then,  there  was  a  dead  stand  : — the  fact 
is  that  there  is  no  talking  with  noun  substantives  only. 

"  Ah !  mon  Dieu  !  il  faut  envoyer  pour  Monsieur  de 
Fontanges,"  cried  the  lady  ;  "  va  le  chercher,  Louise." 

M.  de  Fontanges  soon  made  his'  appearance,  when  the 
lady  explained  to  him  their  dilemma,  and  requested  his 
assistance.  M  de  Fontanges  laughed,  and  explained  to 
Newton,  and  then,  by  means  of  his  interpretation,  connected 
sentences  were  made,  according  to  the  fancy  of  the  lady, 
some  of  which  were  the  cause  of  great  merriment.  After 
an  hour,  the  gentlemen  made  their  bows. 

"  I  think,"  observed  M.  de  Fontanges,  as  they  walked 
away,  "  that  if  you  really  are  as  anxious  to  learn  our 
language  as  madame  is  to  teach  you,  you  had  better  come 


152  Newton  Forster;  or, 

to  me  every  morning  for  an  hour.  I  shall  have  great 
pleasure  in  giving  you  any  assistance  in  my  power,  and  I 
trust  that  in  a  very  short  time,  with  a  little  study  of  the 
grammar  and  dictionary,  you  will  be  able  to  hold  a  conver- 
sation with  Madame  de  Fontanges,  or  even  with  her  dark- 
complexioned  page." 

Newton  expressed  his  acknowledgments,  and  the  next 
day  he  received  his  first  lesson ;  after  which  he  was 
summoned  to  support  the  theory  by  practice  in  the  boudoir 
of  Madame  de  Fontanges.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  observe 
that  each  day  increased  the  facility  of  communication. 

For  three  months  Newton  was  domiciled  with  Monsieur 
and  Madame  Fontanges,  both  of  whom  had  gradually 
formed  such  an  attachment  to  him,  that  the  idea  of  parting 
never  entered  their  heads.  He  was  now  a  very  tolerable 
French  scholar,  and  his  narratives  and  adventures  were  to 
his  benefactors  a  source  of  amusement,  which  amply  repaid 
them  for  the  trouble  and  kindness  which  they  had  shown 
to  him.  Newton  was,  in  fact,  a  general  favourite  with 
every  one  on  the  plantation,  from  the  highest  to  the 
lowest ;  and  his  presence  received  the  same  smile  of 
welcome  at  the  cottage  of  the  slave  as  at  the  boudoir  of 
Madame  de  Fontanges. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  result  of  Newton's  obser- 
vations relative  to  slavery  in  the  English  colonies,  his 
feelings  of  dislike  insensibly  wore  away  during  his  residence 
at  Lieu  Desire  ;  there  he  was  at  least  convinced  that  a  slave 
might  be  perfectly  happy.  It  must  be  acknowledged  that 
the  French  have  invariably  proved  the  kindest  and  most 
considerate  of  masters,  and  the  state  of  bondage  is  much 
mitigated  in  the  islands  which  appertain  to  that  nation. 
The  reason  is  obvious  :  in  France,  there  is  a  bonhommie,  a 
degree  of  equality,  established  between  the  different  grades 
of  society  by  universal  politeness.  A  French  servant  is 
familiar  with  his  master  at  the  same  time  that  he  is  respect- 
ful :  and  the  master,  in  return,  condescends  to  his  in- 
ferior without  forgetting  their  relative  positions.  This 
runs  through  society  in  general  j  and  as  no  one  can  well  be 


The  Merchant  Service  153 

polite  without  some  good-nature  (for  politeness,  frivolous 
as  it  may  appear,  is  a  strong  check  upon  those  feelings  of 
selfishness  too  apt  to  be  indulged  in),  it  leads  to  a  general 
feeling  of  good-will  towards  others.  This  has  naturally- 
been  practised  by  Frenchmen  wherever  they  may  be  j  and 
the  consequence  is  that  the  slaves  are  treated  with  more 
consideration,  and,  in  return,  have  warmer  feelings  of 
attachment  towards  their  owners  than  are  to  be  found  in 
colonies  belonging  to  other  nations.  Newton  perceived  and 
acknowledged  this,  and,  comparing  the  condition  of  the 
people  at  Lieu  Desire  with  that  of  most  of  the  peasantry  of 
Europe,  was  unwillingly  obliged  to  confess  that  the  former 
were  in  every  respect  the  more  fortunate  and  the  more 
happy  of  the  two. 

One  morning,  soon  after  Newton  had  breakfasted  with 
M.  de  Fontanges,  and  had  been  summoned  to  the  boudoir, 
a  letter  was  brought  in.  It  was  from  the  governor  to  M. 
de  Fontanges,  stating  that  he  had  heard  with  great  surprise 
that  M.  de  Fontanges  concealed  an  English  prisoner  in  his 
house,  and  desiring  that  he  might  be  immediately  sent  up 
to  head-quarters.  That  there  might  be  no  delay  or  refusal, 
a  corporal,  accompanied  by  two  file  of  men,  brought  down 
the  intimation  to  the  plantation. 

Newton  was  in  the  very  middle  of  a  long  story,  Madame 
de  Fontanges  on  the  ottoman,  and  her  attendants  collected 
round  her,  seated  on  the  floor — even  Cupidon  had  advanced 
from  his  corner  to  within  half-distance,  his  mouth  and  eyes 
wide  open,  when  M.  de  Fontanges  entered  the  boudoir, 
with  anxiety  and  chagrin  expressed  in  his  countenance. 

"  Qu'est-ce  qu'il  y  a,  mon  ami  ? "  said  Madame  de 
Fontanges,  rising  hastily,  and  running  up  to  her  husband. 

M.  de  Fontanges  answered  by  putting  the  governor's 
letter  into  his  wife's  hands. 

**  Ah  !  les  barbares  !  "  cried  Madame  de  Fontanges  ; 
"  est-il  possible  ?  Pauvre  Monsieur  Nutong  !  On  I'amene 
au  cachot." 

**  Au  cachot !  "  cried  all  the  coloured  girls  at  a  breath, 
and  bursting  into  tears — *'  Oh,  ciel  I  " 


154  Newton  Forster;  or, 

M.  de  Fontanges  then  explained  to  Newton  the  order 
which  he  had  received.  Newton  replied  that  he  had  had  no 
right  to  expect  otherwise  on  his  first  landing  on  the  island ; 
that  he  had  incurred  a  heavy  debt  of  gratitude  to  them  for 
having  preserved  him  so  long  from  a  prison  ;  and  that  the 
remembrance  of  their  kindness  would  tend  to  beguile  the 
tedious  hours  of  captivity  (from  which  it  may  appear  that 
Newton,  in  point  of  expressing  himself,  was  half  a  French- 
man already).  He  then  kissed  the  hand  of  Madame  de 
Fontanges,  tried  to  console  the  little  slave  girls,  who  were 
all  au  desespoir,  patted  Cupidon  on  the  head,  by  way  of 
farewell,  and  quitted  the  boudoir,  in  which  he  had  passed 
so  many  happy  hours.  When  he  was  outside,  he  again 
expressed  his  obligations  to  M.  de  Fontanges,  who  then 
stated  his  determination  to  call  upon  his  brother,  the 
governor,  and  try  to  allieviate  the  hardships  of  his  lot  as 
much  as  was  possible.  In  less  than  an  hour,  Newton,  in 
company  with  his  host,  was  on  the  road  to  Basse  Terre, 
leaving  the  corporal  and  his  two  file  of  men  to  walk  back 
as  fast  as  they  could  ;  the  corporal  having  sufficient  savoir 
vivre  not  to  refuse  the  pledge  of  the  governor's  brother  for 
the  safe  delivery  of  the  prisoner. 

It  was  not  until  late  in  the  evening  that  they  arrived 
at  Basse  Terre,  when  they  immediately  proceeded  to  the 
house  of  the  governor,  and  were  admitted  to  his  presence. 

The  governor,  who  had  been  much  displeased  at  the 
circumstance  of  Newton  having  remained  so  long  on  the 
island,  was  more  pacified  when  M.  de  Fontanges  explained 
to  him  the  way  in  which  he  had  been  made  prisoner,  and 
the  hardships  which  he  had  previously  endured.  M.  de 
Fontanges  accounted  for  his  long  detention  at  Lieu  Desire 
by  stating  the  real  fact,  viz.,  the  pertinacity  of  Madame 
de  Fontanges ;  which,  although  it  might  have  been  con- 
sidered a  very  poor  argument  in  England,  had  its  due 
weight  in  a  French  colony. 

The  governor  entered  into  conversation  with  Newton, 
who  detailed  to  him  the  horrors  of  the  shipwreck  which 
he  had  undergone.     The  narrative  appeared  to  affect  him 


The  Merchant  Service  155 

much.  He  told  Newton  that  under  such  circumstances 
he  could  hardly  consider  him  as  a  prisoner,  and  would 
take  the  first  opportunity  of  releasing  him,  and  would 
accept  his  parole  for  not  quitting  the  island.  Newton 
returned  his  thanks  for  so  much  courtesy,  and  withdrew 
in  company  with  M.  de  Fontanges. 

"  Monsieur  le  Marquis  has  much  sympathy  for  those 
who  have  been  shipwrecked,"  observed  Monsieur  de 
Fontanges,  after  they  had  quitted  the  room.  "  Poor  man  ! 
he  lost  his  wife,  a  beautiful  young  woman,  and  his  only 
child,  a  little  girl,  about  seven  years  back,  when  they 
were  proceeding  home  in  a  vessel  bound  to  Havre.  The 
vessel  has  never  been  heard  of  since,  and  he  has  never 
recovered  the  loss." 

**  In  what  year  was  it  ?  "  inquired  Newton. 

"  In  the  autumn  of  the  year  — " 

**  There  were  many  vessels  wrecked  on  our  coast  during 
that  dreadful  winter,"  replied  Newton  ;  "  I  myself,  when 
in  a  coaster,  picked  up  several  articles  belonging  to  a 
French  vessel.  I  have  them  in  my  possession  now  •, — they 
are  of  some  value." 

**What  did  they  consist  of?"  inquired  Monsieur  de 
Fontanges. 

"  A  large  trunk,  containing  the  wearing  apparel  of  a 
female  and  a  child  :  there  were  also  several  orders  of 
knighthood,  and  some  jewels  ;  but  I  hardly  know  what 
they  were,  as  it  is  some  time  since  I  have  looked  at 
them." 

"  How  strange  that  you  could  find  no  clue  to  discover 
the  names  of  the  parties  !  " 

"  There  were  French  letters,"  replied  Newton,  **  which 
I  could  not  read  ;  they  were  only  signed  by  initials,  which 
did  not  correspond  with  the  marks  on  the  linen  belonging 
to  the  lady,  although  the  surname  might  have  been  the 
same  as  that  of  the  child." 

*'  Do  you  recollect  the  initials  ? " 

*'  Perfectly  well :  the  marks  on  the  lady's  apparel  were 
L.  C,  that  on  the  linen  of  the  infant  J.  F." 


156  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"MonDieu!  monDieu!"  cried  Monsieur  de  Fontanges ; 
"  then  it  may  indeed  have  been  the  apparel  of  the  Marquise 
de  Fontanges.  The  linen  must  have  been  some  marked 
with  her  maiden  name,  which  was  Louise  de  Colmar.  The 
child  was  christened  Julie  de  Fontanges,  after  her  grand- 
mother. My  poor  brother  had  intended  to  take  his  passage 
home  in  the  same  vessel,  his  successor  being  hourly  ex- 
pected ;  but  the  frigate  in  which  the  new  governor  had 
embarked  was  taken  by  an  English  squadron,  and  my 
brother  was  forced  to  remain  here." 

"  Then  the  property  must  undoubtedly  belong  to  the 
marquis,"  replied  Newton :  **  I  only  wish  I  could  have 
been  able  to  assure  him  that  his  wife  and  child  were 
equally  safe ;  but  that  I  am  afraid  is  impossible,  as  there 
can  be  no  doubt  but  that  they  were  all  lost.  Do  you 
mean  to  communicate  what  I  have  told  you  to  the 
marquis  ?  " 

"  By  no  means  :  it  will  only  tear  open  a  wound  which 
has  but  partially  healed.  If  you  will  send  me  all  the  par- 
ticulars when  you  return  I  shall  feel  much  obliged,  not 
that  the  effects  are  of  any  consequence.  The  marquise  and 
her  child  are  undoubtedly  lost ;  and  it  could  be  no  consola- 
tion to  my  brother  to  ascertain  that  a  trunk  of  their  eiFects 
had  been  saved." 

Here  the  conversation  dropped,  and  was  never  again 
renewed. 

Newton  was  heartily  welcomed  again  at  Lieu  Desire, 
where  he  remained  three  weeks,  when  a  note  from  the 
governor  informed  him  that  a  cartel  was  about  to  sail. 

It  was  with  mutual  pain  that  Newton  and  his  kind 
friends  took  their  farewell  of  each  other.  In  this  instance 
M.  de  Fontanges  did  not  accompany  him  to  Basse  Terre, 
but  bade  him  adieu  at  his  own  door.  Newton,  soon  after 
he  was  on  the  road,  perceived  that  M.  de  Fontanges  had 
acted  from  a  motive  of  delicacy,  that  he  might  not  receive 
the  thanks  of  Newton  for  two  valises,  well  furnished, 
which  overtook  Newton  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  plantation,  slung  on  each  side  of  a  horse,  under  the 


The  Merchant  Service  157 

guidance  of  a  little  negro,  perched  on  the  middle.  Newton 
made  his  acknowledgments  to  the  governor  for  his  kind 
consideration,  then  embarked  on  board  of  the  Marie 
Therese  schooner,  and  in  three  days  he  once  more  found 
himself  on  shore  in  an  English  colony  j  with  which  piece 
of  information  I  conclude  this  chapter. 


Chapter  XXII 

"  Mercy  on  us  !  a  bairn,  a  very  pretty  bairn, 
A  boy,  a  child."  Shakespeare. 

"When  Newton  was  landed  from  the  cartel  at  Jamaica,  he 
found  the  advantage  of  not  being  clad  in  the  garb  of 
a  sailor,  as  all  those  who  were  in  such  costume  were 
immediately  handed  over  to  the  admiral  of  the  station,  to 
celebrate  their  restoration  to  liberty  on  board  of  a  man-of- 
war  J  but  the  clothes  supplied  to  him  by  the  generosity  of 
M.  de  Fontanges  had  anything  but  a  maritime  appearance, 
and  Newton  was  landed  with  his  portmanteaus  by  one  of 
the  man-of-war's  boats,  whose  crew  had  little  idea  of  his 
being  a  person  so  peculiarly  suited  to  their  views,  possess- 
ing as  he  did  the  necessary  qualifications  of  youth,  activity, 
and  a  thorough  knowledge  of  his  profession.  Newton 
was  so  anxious  to  return  home,  that  after  a  few  days' 
expensive  sojourn  at  an  hotel,  frequented  chiefly  by  the 
officers  of  the  man-of-war  in  port,  he  resolved  to  apply  to 
the  captain  of  a  frigate  ordered  home  with  despatches,  to 
permit  him  to  take  a  passage.  He  had  formed  a  slight 
intimacy  with  some  of  the  officers,  who  assured  him  that 
he  would  experience  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  his  request. 
His  application  was  made  in  person ;  and  after  his  state- 
ment that  he  had  been  released  in  the  last  cartel  which 
had  come  from  Guadaloupe,  his  request  was  immediately 
granted,  without  any  further  questions  being  put  relative 
to  his  profession,  or  the  manner  in  which  he  had  been 
captured.     The  captain  very  civilly  gave  him  to  understand 


158  Newton  Forster;  or, 

that  he  might  mess  with  the  gun-room  officers,  if  he  could 
arrange  with  them,  and  that  he  expected  to  sail  on  the 
evening  of  the  ensuing  day.  Newton  immediately  repaired 
on  board  of  the  frigate,  to  ascertain  if  the  officers  would 
receive  him  as  a  messmate ;  and  further,  whether  the 
amount  of  his  mess-money  would  be  more  than  he  could  in 
prudence  afford.  At  the  bottom  of  one  of  the  portmanteaus 
he  had  found  a  bag  of  two  hundred  dollars,  supplied  by 
his  generous  host,  and  in  the  same  bag  there  was  also 
deposited  a  small  note  from  Madame  de  Fontanges,  wishing 
him  success,  and  enclosing  (as  a  souvenir)  a  ring,  which  he 
had  often  perceived  on  her  finger  ;  but,  adequate  as  was 
this  supply  to  his  own  wants,  Newton  did  not  forget  that 
his  father  was,  in  all  probability,  in  great  distress,  and 
would  require  his  assistance  on  his  return.  He  was,  there- 
fore, naturally  anxious  not  to  expend  more  than  was 
absolutely  necessary  in  defraying  his  passage.  The  old 
first  lieutenant,  to  whom,  upon  his  arrival  on  board,  he 
was  introduced  as  commanding  officer,  received  him  with 
much  urbanity ;  and,  when  Newton  stated  that  he  had 
obtained  the  captain's  permission  to  make  the  application, 
immediately  acceded  to  his  wishes  on  the  part  of  his  mess- 
mates as  well  as  of  himself,  when  Newton  followed  up  his 
application,  by  requesting  to  know  the  expense  which  he 
would  incur,  as,  in  case  of  its  being  greater  than  his 
finances  could  meet,  he  would  request  permission  to  choose 
a  less  expensive  mess. 

"  I  am  aware,"  replied  the  veteran,  "  that  those  who  have 
been  shipwrecked,  and  in  a  French  prison,  are  not  likely  to 
be  very  flush  of  cash.  It  is,  however,  a  point  on  which  I 
must  consult  my  messmates.  Excuse  me  one  moment,  and 
I  will  bring  you  an  answer :  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  it 
will  be  satisfactorily  arranged ;  but  there  is  nothing  like 
settling  these  points  at  once.  Mr  Webster,  see  that  the 
lighter  shoves  off  the  moment  that  she  is  clear,"  continued 
the  first  lieutenant  to  one  of  the  midshipmen  as  he  descended 
the  quarter-deck  ladder,  leaving  Newton  to  walk  the 
quarter-deck. 


i 


The  Merchant  Service 


159 


In  a  few  minutes  the  first  lieutenant  reappeared,  with  one 
or  two  officers  of  the  gun-room  mess,  who  greeted  him 
most  cordially. 

**  I  have  seen  all  that  are  requisite,"  said  he  to  Newton. 
**  Two  I  have  not  spoken  to,  the  master  and  the  purser  j 
they  are  both  poor  men  with  families.  If,  therefore,  you 
will  not  be  too  proud  to  accept  it,  I  am  requested  to  offer 
you  a  free  passage  from  the  other  officers  of  the  mess,  as  we 
feel  convinced  that  your  company  will  more  than  repay  us. 
The  proportion  of  the  expense  of  your  passage  to  the  other 
two  will  be  but  one  or  two  pounds ;  a  trifle,  indeed,  but 
still  of  consequence  to  them  ;  and  that  is  the  only  expense 
which  you  will  incur.  If  you  can  afford  to  pay  that,  any 
time  after  your  arrival  in  England,  we  shall  be  most  happy 
to  receive  you,  and  make  the  passage  as  comfortable  and 
pleasant  as  circumstances  will  permit." 

To  this  most  liberal  proposition  Newton  most  gladly 
acceded.  The  officers  who  had  come  on  deck  with  the 
first  lieutenant  invited  Newton  below,  where  he  was  intro- 
duced to  the  remainder  of  the  mess,  who  were  most  of  them 
fine  young  men,  as  happy  and  careless  as  if  youth  was  to 
last  for  ever.  Having  pledged  each  other  in  a  glass  of 
grog,  Newton  returned  on  shore.  The  next  morning  he 
made  his  arrangements,  paid  his  bill  at  the  hotel,  and  before 
twelve  o'clock  was  again  on  board  of  the  frigate,  which  lay 
with  the  Blue  Peter  hoisted,  and  her  fore-topsail  loose, 
waiting  for  her  captain,  who  was  still  detained  on  shore 
while  the  admiral  and  governor  made  up  their  despatches. 

When  Newton  had  applied  to  the  captain  of  the  frigate 
for  a  passage  home,  he  could  hardly  believe  it  possible  that 
the  person  to  whom  he  was  introduced  could  be  entrusted 
with  the  command  of  so  fine  a  vessel.  He  was  a  slight- 
made,  fair  complexioned  lad,  of  nineteen  or  twenty  years  at 
the  most,  without  an  incipient  mark  of  manhood  on  his  chin. 
He  appeared  lively,  active,  and  good-natured ;  but  what 
were  the  other  qualifications  he  possessed,  to  discover  such 
a  mark  of  confidence,  were  to  Newton  an  enigma  requiring 
solution. 


i6o  Newton  Forster;  or, 

It  was,  however,  to  be  explained  in  very  few  words. 
He  was  the  son  of  the  admiral  of  the  station,  and  fas  at  that 
period  there  was  no  regulation  with  respect  to  age,  to  check 
the  most  rapid  promotion),  after  he  had  served  his  time  as 
midshipman,  in  less  than  two  months  he  had  been  raised 
through  the  different  ranks  of  lieutenant,  commander,  and 
post-captain.  On  receiving  the  latter  step,  he  was  at  the 
same  time  appointed  to  the  frigate  in  question, — one  of  the 
finest  which  belonged  to  his  Majesty's  service.  In  order, 
however,  that  he  should  to  a  certain  degree  be  in  leading- 
strings,  a  very  old  and  efficient  officer  had  been  selected  by 
the  admiral  as  his  first  lieutenant.  Whether,  in  common 
justice,  the  captain  and  his  subordinate  ought  not  to  have 
changed  places,  I  leave  the  reader  to  guess  j  and  it  was  the 
more  unfair  towards  the  worthy  old  first  lieutenant,  as,  if 
the  admiral  had  not  entertained  such  a  high  opinion  of  his 
abilities  and  judgment  as  to  confide  to  him  the  charge  of  his 
son,  he  would  long  before  have  been  promoted  himself  to 
one  of  the  many  vacancies  which  so  repeatedly  occurred. 

Captain  Carrington  had  all  the  faults  which,  if  not  in- 
herent, will  naturally  be  acquired  by  those  who  are  too 
early  entrusted  with  power.  He  was  self-sufficient,  arbi- 
trary, and  passionate.  His  good  qualities  consisted  in  a 
generous  disposition,  a  kindness  of  heart  when  not  irritated, 
a  manly  courage,  and  a  frank  acknowledgment  of  his 
errors.  Had  he  been  allowed  to  serve  a  proper  time  in  the 
various  grades  of  his  profession — had  he  been  taught  to 
obey  before  he  had  been  permitted  to  command — he  had  within 
him  all  the  materials  for  a  good  officer :  as  it  was,  he  was 
neither  officer,  sailor,  nor  anything  else,  except  a  spoiled  boy. 
He  would  often  attempt  to  carry  on  the  duty  as  captain, 
and  as  often  fail  from  want  of  knowledge.  He  would 
commence  manoeuvring  the  ship,  but  find  himself  unable  to 
proceed.  At  these  unfortunate  break  downs,  he  would  be 
obliged  to  resign  the  speaking-trumpet  to  the  first  lieu- 
tenant ;  and  if,  as  sometimes  happened,  the  latter  (either 
from  accident,  or  perhaps  from  a  pardonable  pique  at  having 
the  duty  taken  out  of  his  hands),  was  not  at  his  elbow  to 


The  Merchant  Service  i6i 

prompt  him  when  at  fault — at  these  times  the  cant  phrase 
of  the  officers,  taken  from  some  farce,  used  to  be,  '*  York, 
you^re  ivanted." 

About  an  hour  before  sunset  the  juvenile  captain  made 
his  appearance  on  board,  rather  fresh  from  taking  leave  of 
his  companions  and  acquaintances  on  shore.  The  frigate 
was  got  under  weigh  by  the  first  lieutenant,  and,  before 
the  sun  had  disappeared,  was  bounding  over  the  foaming 
seas  in  the  direction  of  the  country  which  had  nurtured  to 
maturity  the  gnarled  oak  selected  for  her  beautiful  frame. 
Newton  joined  his  new  messmates  in  drinking  a  prosperous 
passage  to  old  England  ;  and,  with  a  heart  grateful  for  his 
improved  prospects,  retired  to  the  hammock  which  had 
been  prepared  for  him. 

When  Newton  rose  in  the  morning,  he  found  that  the 
wind  had  shifted  contrary  during  the  night,  and  that  the 
frigate  was  close  hauled,  darting  through  the  smooth  water 
with  her  royals  set.  At  ten  o'clock  the  master  proposed 
tacking  the  ship,  and  the  first  lieutenant  went  down  to 
report  his  wish  to  the  captain. 

"  Very  well,  Mr  Nourse,"  replied  the  captain ;  "  turn 
the  hands  up." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  leaving  the  cabin. 

"  Call  the  boatswain,  quarter-master — all  hands  'bout 
ship." 

"  All  hands  'bout  ship,"  was  now  bellowed  out  by  the 
boatswain,  and  re-echoed  by  his  mates  at  the  several 
hatchways,  with  a  due  proportion  of  whistling  from  their 
pipes. 

"  Tumble  up,  there  —tumble  up  smartly,  my  lads." 

In  a  minute  every  man  was  on  deck,  and  at  his  station ; 
many  of  them,  however,  tufnbling  doivn  in  their  laudable 
hurry  to  tumble  up. 

"Silence  there,  fore  and  aft — every  man  to  his  station," 
cried  the  first  lieutenant  through  his  speaking-trumpet. 
*'  All  ready,  sir,"  reported  the  first  lieutenant  to  the 
captain,  who  had  followed  him  on  deck.  **  Shall  we  put 
the  helm  down  ?  " 

F  L 


1 62  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  If  you  please,  Mr  Nourse." 

"  Down  with  the  helm." 

When  the  master  reported  it  down,  *' The  helm's  a-lee," 
roared  the  first  lieutenant. 

But  Captain  Carrington,  who  thought  light  winds  and 
smooth  water  a  good  opportunity  for  practice,  interrupted 
him  as  he  was  walking  towards  the  weat-her    gangway 
*' Mr  Nourse,  Mr  Nourse,   if  you   please,  I'll  work  the 
ship." 

"Very  good,  sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  handing 
him  the  speaking-trumpet.  "  Rise  tacks  and  sheets,  if 
you  please,  sir,"  continued  the  first  lieu  tenant,  (j-^?//^  voce), 
"  the  sails  are  lifting." 

*'  Tacks  and  sheets  !  "  cried  the  captain. 

*'  Gather  in  on  the  lee  main-tack,  my  lads,"  said  the 
first  lieutenant,  going  to  the  lee  gangway  to  see  the  duty 
performed. 

Now,  Captain  Carrington  did  know  that  '* mainsail  haul" 
was  the  next  word  of  command ;  but  as  this  order  requires 
a  degree  of  precision  as  to  the  exact  time  at  which  it  is 
given,  he  looked  over  his  shoulder  for  the  first  lieutenant, 
who  usually  prompted  him  in  this  exigence.  Not  seeing 
him  there,  he  became  disconcerted ;  and  during  the  few 
seconds  that  he  cast  his  anxious  .eyes  about  the  deck,  to 
discover  where  the  first  lieutenant  was,  the  ship  had 
passed  head  to  wind. 

**  Mainsail  haul  ! "  at  last  cried  the  captain ;  but  it  was 
too  late ;  the  yards  would  not  swing  round ;  everything 
went  wrong  j  and  the  ship  was  in  irons, 

"  You  hauled  a  little  too  late,  sir,"  observed  the  first 
lieutenant  who  had  joined  him.  **  You  must  box  her  off, 
sir,  if  you  please." 

But  Captain  Carrington,  although  he  could  put  the  ship 
in  irons,  did  not  know  how  to  take  her  out. 

"  The  ship  is  certainly  most  cursedly  out  of  trim," 
observed  he  •,  "  she'll  neither  wear  nor  stay.  Try  her 
yourself,  Mr  Nourse,"  continued  the  captain,  "  I'm  sick  of 
her !  ". — and  with  a  heightened  colour,  he  handed  the 
speaking-trumpet  over  to  the  first  lieutenant. 


The  Merchant  Service  163 

"  York,  you're  wanted,"  observed  the  lieutenant  abaft  to 
the  marine  officer,  dropping  down  the  corners  of  his  mouth. 

"  York,  you're  wanted,"  tittered  the  midshipmen,  in 
whispers,  as  they  passed  each  other. 

*'Well,  I've  won  your  grog,  Jim,"  cried  one  of  the 
marines,  who  was  standing  at  the  forebrace ;  "  I  knew 
he'd  never  do  it." 

"  He's  like  me,"  observed  another,  in  a  low  tone  ;  "  he 
left  school  too  'arly,  and  lost  his  edication." 

Such  were  the  results  of  injudicious  patronage.  A  fine 
ship  entrusted  to  a  boy,  ignorant  of  his  duty ;  laughed  at, 
not  only  by  the  officers,  but  even  by  the  men  ;  and  the 
honour  of  the  country  at  stake,  and  running  no  small  risk 
of  being  tarnished,  if  the  frigate  met  with  a  vigorous 
opponent.*  Thank  God,  this  is  now  over  !  Judicious 
regulations  have  put  a  stop  to  such  selfish  and  short- 
sighted patronage.  Selfish,  because  those  who  were 
guilty  of  it  risked  the  honour  of  the  nation  to  advance  the 
interests  of  their  proteges  •,  short-sighted,  because  it  is  of 
little  use  making  a  young  man  a  captain  if  you  cannot 
make  him  an  officer.  I  might  here  enter  into  a  discussion 
which  might  be  of  some  use,  but  it  would  be  out  of  place 
in  a  work  intended  more  for  amusement  than  for  instruction; 
nor  would  it  in  all  probability  be  read.  I  always  make  it 
a  rule  myself,  to  skip  over  all  those  parts  introduced  in 
a  light  work  which  are  of  denser  materials  than  the  rest  ; 
and  I  cannot  expect  but  that  others  will  do  the  same. 
There  is  a  time  and  place  for  all  things ;  and  like  the 
master  of  Ravenswood,  **  I  bide  my  time." 

The  frigate  dashed  gallantly  through  the  water,  at  one 
time  careening  to  an  adverse  wind,  at  another  rolling  before 
a  favouring  gale  :  and,  to  judge  from  her  rapid  motion,  she 
was  not  in  such  very  bad  trim  as  Captain  Carrington  had 

*  It  is  true  that  an  officer  must  now  serve  a  certain  time  in  the  various 
grades  before  promotion,  which  time  is  supposed  to  be  sufficient  for  him  to 
acquire  a  knowledge  of  his  profession  ;  but  whether  that  knowledge  is 
obtained  depends,  as  before,  upon  the  young  officer's  prospects  in  life.  If 
from  family  interest  he  is  sure  of  promotion,  he  is  not  quite  so  sure  of  being 
a  seaman. 


164  Newton  Forster;  or, 

found  out.  Each  day  rapidly  brought  her  nearer  to  their 
cherished  home,  as  "  she  walked  the  waters  like  a  thing  of 
life."  I  can  conceive  no  prouder  situation  in  this  world 
than  being  captain  of  a  fine  frigate,  with  a  well-disciplined 
crew  ;  but  d — n  your  eight -and-tiventies  ! 

**  We  had  better  take  in  the  royals,  if  you  please,  sir," 
said  the  first  lieutenant,  as  he  came,  with  his  hat  in  his 
hand,  into  the  cabin,  where  the  captain  was  at  dinner  with 
several  of  the  officers,  the  table  crowded  with  a  variety  of 
decanters  and  French  green  bottles. 

"Pho  !  nonsense  !  Mr  Nourse  ;  we'll  carry  them  a  little 
longer,"  replied  the  captain,  who  had  been  carrying  too  much 
sail  another  way.  "  Sit  down  and  take  a  glass  of  wine 
with  us.     You  always  cry  out  before  you're  hurt,  Nourse." 

"  I  thank  you,  sir," replied  the  first  lieutenant,  seriously; 
"  you  will  excuse  me  :  it  is  time  to  beat  to  quarters." 

*' Well,  then,  do  so ;  I  had  no  idea  it  was  so  late.  Mr 
Forster,  you  don't  pass  the  bottle." 

"  I  have  taken  enough,  I  thank  you,  sir.'* 

The  officers  present  also  made  the  same  statement. 

"  Well,  then,  if  you  won't,  gentlemen — steward,  let's 
have  some  coffee." 

The  coffee  appeared  and  disappeared ;  and  the  officers 
made  their  bows  and  quitted  the  cabin  as  the  first  lieutenant 
entered  it  to  report  the  muster  at  quarters. 

"  All  present  and  sober,  sir.  I  am  afraid,  sir,"  con- 
tinued he,  "  the  masts  will  be  over  the  side  if  we  do  not 
clew  up  the  royals." 

"  Stop  a  moment,  if  you  please,  Mr  Nourse,  until  I  go 
up  and  judge  for  myself,"  replied  the  captain,  who  was 
inclined  to  be  pertinacious. 

Captain  Carrington  went  on  deck.  The  men  were  still 
ranged  round  the  decks  at  their  quarters ;  more  than  one 
pair  of  eyes  were  raised  aloft  to  watch  the  masts,  which 
were  bending  like  coach-whips,  and  complaining  bitterly. 

'*  Shall  we  beat  a  retreat,  and  pipe  hands  to  shorten  sail, 
sir  .?  We  had  better  take  in  the  third  reefs,  sir  ; — it  looks 
very  squally  to-night,"  observed  the  first  lieutenant. 


The  Merchant  Service  165 

'*  Really,  Mr  Nourse,  I  don't  exactly  perceive  the  neces- 
sity  " 

But  at  that  moment  the  fore  and  main-top-gallant-masts 
went  over  the  side  ;  and  the  look-out  man  at  the  fore-top- 
gallant-mast head,  who  had  been  called  down  by  the  first 
heutenant,  but  did  not  hear  the  injunction,  was  hurled  into 
the  sea  to  leeward. 

"  Helm  down  !^'  cried  the  master. 

**  Man  overboard  ! — man  overboard  !  "  echoed  round  the 
decks  ;  while  some  of  the  officers  and  men  jumped  into 
the  quarter-boats,  and  hastily  cast  off  the  gripes  and 
lashings. 

Captain  Carrington,  who  was  immediately  sobered  by 
the  catastrophe,  which  he  felt  had  been  occasioned  by  his 
own  wilfulness,  ran  aft  to  the  taffrail ;  and  when  he  saw 
the  poor  sailor  struggling  in  the  waves,  impelled  by  his 
really  fine  nature,  he  darted  overboard  to  save  him  ;  but 
he  was  not  by  any  means  a  powerful  swimmer,  and,  en- 
cumbered with  his  apparel,  it  was  soon  evident  that  he 
could  do  no  more  than  keep  himself  afloat. 

Newton,  who  perceived  how  matters  stood,  with  great 
presence  of  mind  caught  up  two  of  the  oars  from  the 
boat  hanging  astern,  and  darted  over  to  the  assistance 
of  both.  One  oar  he  first  carried  to  the  seaman,  who 
was  exhausted  and  sinking.  Placing  it  under  his  arms, 
he  then  swam  with  the  other  to  Captain  Carrington, 
who  could  not  have  remained  above  water  but  a  few 
seconds  more  without  the  timely  relief.  He  then  quietly 
swam  by  the  side  of  Captain  Carrington,  without  any 
attempt  at  extra  exertion. 

The  boat  was  soon  lowered  down,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
they  were  all  three  again  on  board,  and  in  safety.  Captain 
Carrington  thanked  Newton  for  his  assistance,  and  ac- 
knowledged his  error  to  the  first  lieutenant.  The  officers 
and  men  looked  upon  Newton  with  respect  and  increased 
good-will  ;  and  the  sailors  declared  that  the  captain  was 
a  prime  little  fellow,  although  he  hadn't  had  an  **  edica- 
tion." 


1 66  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Nothing  worthy  of  remark  occurred  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  passage.  The  ship  arrived  at  Plymouth, 
and  Newton  took  leave  of  his  friendly  shipmates,  Captain 
Carrington  requesting  that  Newton  would  command  any 
interest  that  he  had,  if  ever  it  should  be  required.  It 
was  with  a  throbbing  heart  that  Newton  descended  from 
the  outside  of  the  coach  which  conveyed  him  to  Liver- 
pool, and  hastened  towards  the  obscure  street  in  which 
he  left  his  father  residing.  It  was  about  four  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  when  Newton  arrived  at  his  father's  door. 
To  his  delight,  he  perceived  through  the  shop- window 
that  his  father  was  sitting  at  his  bench  ;  but  his  joy  was 
checked  when  he  perceived  his  haggard  countenance. 
The  old  man  appeared  to  be  absorbed  in  deep  thought, 
his  cheek  resting  upon  his  hand,  and  his  eyes  cast  down 
upon  the  little  bench,  to  which  the  vice  used  to  be  fixed, 
but  from  which  it  was  now  removed. 

The  door  was  ajar,  and  Newton  entered  with  his 
portmanteau  in  his  hand ;  but  whatever  noise  he  might 
have  made  was  not  sufficient  to  rouse  Nicholas,  who  con- 
tinued in  the  same  position. 

With  one  glance  round  the  shop,  Newton  perceived 
that  it  was  bare  of  everything  j  even  the  glazed  cases  on 
the  counter,  which  contained  the  spectacles,  &c.,  had  dis- 
appeared. All  bespoke  the  same  tale,  as  did  the  appear- 
ance of  his  father — misery  and  starvation. 

"  My  dearest  father  !  "  cried  Newton,  unable  to  contain 
himself  any  longer. 

"  How  ! — what  ?  "  cried  Nicholas,  starting  at  the  voice, 
but  not  looking  round.  **  Pho !  nonsense  ! — he's  dead," 
continued  the  old  man,  communing  with  himself,  as  he 
again  settled  into  his  former  position. 

**  My  dearest  father,  I'm  not  dead  ! — look  round — 'tis 
Newton  !  alive  and  well." 

"  Newton  !  "  replied  the  old  man,  rising  from  his  stool, 
and  tottering  to  the  counter,  which  was  between  them, 
on  which  he  laid  both  his  hands  to  support  himself, 
as    he   looked    into    his    son's    face.       **'Tis    Newton, 


The  Merchant  Service  167 

sure    enough !        My    dear,    dear    boy ! — then    you    an't 
dead  ?  " 

"  No,  indeed,  father ;  I  am  alive  and  well,  thank 
God ! " 

**  Thank  God,  too  !  "  said  Nicholas,  dropping  his  face 
on  the  counter,  and  bursting  into  tears. 

Newton  sprang  over  to  the  side  where  his  father  was, 
and  embraced  him.  For  some  time  they  were  locked  in 
each  other's  arms ;  when  Nicholas,  who  had  recovered 
his  composure,  looked  at  Newton,  and  said,  "  Are  you 
hungry,  my  dear  boy  ? " 

**  Yes,  indeed  I  am,"  replied  Newton,  smiling,  as  the 
tears  coursed  down  his  cheeks ;  "  for  I  have  had  nothing 
since  breakfast." 

''  And  I  have  had  nothing  for  these  two  days,"  replied 
Nicholas,  leaning  back  to  the  wall  in  evident  exhaus- 
tion. 

"  Good  God !  you  don't  say  so  ?  "  cried  Newton  ; 
"  where  can  I  buy  something  ready  cooked  ? " 

**  At  the  shop  round  the  corner:  there's  a  nice  piece  of 
boiled  beef  there  ;  I  saw  it  yesterday.  I  offered  my  im- 
provement on  the  duplex  for  a  slice  ;  but  he  would  not 
trust  me,  even  for  that." 

Newton  ran  out,  and  in  a  few  minutes  reappeared  with 
the  beef  in  question,  some  bread,  and  a  pot  of  porter,  with 
two  plates  and  knives  and  forks,  which  the  people  had 
lent  him,  upon  his  putting  down  a  deposit.  He  had  laid 
them  on  the  counter  before  his  father,  who,  without 
saying  a  word,  commenced  his  repast  :  the  beef  dis- 
appeared— the  bread  vanished — the  porter-pot  was  raised 
to  his  mouth,  and  in  a  moment  it  was  dry  ! 

"Never  made  a  better  dinner,  Newton,"  observed 
Nicholas :  "  but  I  wish  there  had  been  a  little  more 
of  it." 

Newton,  who  had  only  been  a  spectator,  immediately 
went  out  for  another  supply ;  and  on  his  return  assisted 
his  father  in  its  demoHtion. 

"  Newton,"  said  Nicholas,  who  for  a  few  minutes  had 


1 68  Newton  Forster;   or, 

relinquished  his  task,  "  IVe  been  thinking — that — I  should 
like  another  slice  of  that  beef!  and  Isewton,  as  I  said 
before — I'll  trouble  you  for  the  porter !  " 


Chapter  XXIII 

"  Orlando. — Then  forbear  your  food  a  little  while, 

While,  like  a  doe,  I  go  to  find  my  fawn, 
And  give  it  food.      There  is  a  poor  old  man 
Oppressed  with  two  weak  evils,  age  and  hunger." 

Shakespeare. 

Reader,  were  you  ever  really  hungry  ?  I  do  not  mean 
the  common  hunger  arising  from  health  and  exercise,  and 
which  you  have  the  means  of  appeasing  at  the  moment, 
when  it  may  be  considered  a  source  of  pleasure  rather 
than  of  pain  : — I  refer  to  the  gnawing  of  'starvation ; 
because,  if  you  have  not  been,  you  can  form  no  conception 
of  the  agony  of  the  suffering.  Fortunately,  but  very  few 
of  my  readers  can  have  any  knowledge  of  it ;  the  general 
sympathy  which  it  creates  is  from  an  ideal,  not  a  practical 
knowledge.  It  has  been  my  lot  during  the  vicissitudes 
of  a  maritime  life  to  have  suffered  hunger  to  extremity ; 
and  although  impossible  to  express  the  corporeal  agony, 
yet  some  notion  of  it  may  be  conceived  from  the  effect 
it  had  upon  my  mind.  I  felt  that  I  hated  the  whole  world, 
kin  or  no  kin  ;  that  theft  was  a  virtue,  murder  excusable, 
and  cannibalism  anything  but  disgusting  ;  from  which  the 
inference  "  may  be  safely  drawn,  viz.,  that  I  was  devilish 
hungry. 

I  mention  this,  because  Nicholas  Forster,  although  he 
had  been  two  days  without  food,  and  had  disposed  of 
every  article  which  was  saleable,  was  endued  with  so 
much  strength  of  principle  as  not  to  have  thought  (or 
if  he  had  thought  of  it,  immediately  to  have  dismissed  the 
thought)  of  vending  the  property  found  in  the  trunk  by 
his  son,  and  which  had  remained  so  long  in  their  posses- 
sion.    That  few  would  have  been  so  scrupulous,  I  will 


The  Merchant  Service  169 

acknowledge  :  whether  Nicholas  was  over-scrupulous,  is 
a  question  I  leave  to  be  debated  by  those  who  are  fond 
of  argument.     I  only  state  the  fact. 

Until  the  arrival  of  the  ship  brought  home  by  Mr 
Berecroft,  the  allotment  of  Newton's  wages  had  been 
regularly  paid  to  his  father  ;  but  when  the  owner  dis- 
covered that  the  brig  had  parted  company  with  the  convoy, 
and  had  not  since  been  heard  of,  the  chance  of  capture 
was  considered  so  great  that  the  owner  refused  to  advance 
any  more  on  Newton's  account.  Nicholas  was  thus 
thrown  upon  his  own  resources,  which  were  as  small  as 
they  well  could  be.  The  crew  of  the  brig,  who  quitted 
her  in  the  boat,  were  picked  up  by  a  homeward-bound 
vessel,  and  brought  what  was  considered  the  certain  in- 
telligence of  Jackson  and  Newton  having  perished  on 
the  wreck.  Nicholas,  who  had  frequently  called  at  the 
owner's  since  his  allowance  had  been  stopped,  to  obtain 
tidings  of  his  son,  was  overwhelmed  with  the  intelligence 
of  his  death.  He  returned  to  his  own  house,  and  never 
called  there  again.  Mr  Berecroft,  who  wished  to  find 
him  out  and  relieve  him,  could  not  ascertain  in  what 
quarter  of  the  town  he  resided,  and  shortly  after  was 
obliged  to  proceed  upon  another  voyage.  Thus  was  the 
poor  optician  left  to  his  fate  ;  and  it  is  probable  that,  but 
for  the  fortunate  return  of  Newton,  it  would  soon  have 
been  miserably  decided. 

Newton  was  much  pleased  when  he  learnt  from  his 
father  that  he  had  not  disposed  of  the  property  which  he 
had  picked  up  at  sea,  for  he  now  felt  assured  that  he 
had  discovered  the  owner  at  Guadaloupe,  and  intended 
to  transmit  it  to  M.  de  Fontanges  as  soon  as  he  could 
find  a  safe  conveyance ;  but  this  at  present  was  not 
practicable.  As  soon  as  his  father  had  been  re-established 
in  his  several  necessities  and  comforts,  Newton,  aware 
that  his  purse  would  not  last  for  ever,  applied  to  the 
owner  of  the  brig  for  employment ;  but  he  was  decidedly 
refused.  The  loss  of  the  vessel  had  soured  his  temper 
against   anyone  who   had    belonged   to   her.     He  replied 


170  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

that  he  considered  Newton  to  be  an  unlucky  person,  and 
must  decline  his  sailing  in  any  of  his  vessels,  even  if 
a  vacancy  should  occur. 

To  every  other  application  made  elsewhere,  Newton 
met  with  the  same  ill  fortune.  Mr  Berecroft  was  not 
there  to  recommend  or  to  assist  him,  and  months  passed 
away  in  anxious  expectation  of  his  patron's  return,  when 
the  intelligence  was  brought  home  that  he  had  been  carried 
off  by  yellow-fever,  which  that  year  had  been  particularly 
malignant  and  fatal.  The  loss  of  his  only  protector  was 
a  heavy  blow  to  poor  Newton ;  but  he  bore  up  against 
his  fortune  and  redoubled  his  exertions.  As  before,  he 
could  always  obtain  employment  before  the  mast ;  but  this 
he  refused,  knowing  that  if  again  impressed,  however  well 
he  might  be  off  himself,  and  however  fortunate  in  prize- 
money,  his  father  would  be  left  destitute,  and  in  all 
probability  be  starved  before  he  could  return.  The  recol- 
lection of  the  situation  in  which  he  had  found  him  on  his 
return  from  the  West  Indies  made  Newton  resolve  not  to 
leave  his  father  without  some  surety  of  his  being  provided 
with  the  means  of  subsistence.  He  was  not  without  some 
employment,  and  earned  sufficient  for  their  mutual  main- 
tenance by  working  as  a  rigger  on  board  of  the  ships 
fitting  for  sea  ;  and  he  adhered  to  this  means  of  livelihood 
until  something  better  should  present  itself.  Had  Newton 
been  alone  in  the  world,  or  his  father  able  to  support 
himself,  he  would  have  immediately  applied  to  Captain 
Carrington  to  receive  him  in  some  capacity  on  board  of  his 
frigate,  or  have  entered  on  board  of  some  other  man-of- 
war.  Newton's  heart  was  too  generous,  and  his  mind  too 
truly  English,  not  to  bound  when  he  read  or  heard  of  the 
gallant  encounters  between  the  vessels  of  the  rival  nations, 
and  he  longed  to  be  one  of  the  many  thousands  so 
diligently  employed  in  twining  the  wreath  of  laurel  round 
their  country's  brow. 

Nearly  one  year  of  constant  fatigue,  constant  expecta- 
tion, and  constant  disappointment  was  thus  passed  away ; 
affairs    grew    daily   worse,    employment    scarce,    money 


The  Merchant  Service  171 

scarcer.  Newton,  who  had  been  put  off  from  receiving 
his  wages  until  the  ensuing  day,  which,  as  they  had  no 
credit,  was  in  fact  putting  off  their  dinner  also  to  the 
morrow,  went  home,  and  dropped  on  a  chair  in  a  despond- 
ent mood,  at  the  table  where  Nicholas  was  already 
seated. 

''Well,  Newton,  what's  for  dinner?"  said  Nicholas, 
drawing  his  chair  close  to  the  table  in  preparation. 

"  I  have  not  been  paid  the  money  due  to  me,"  replied 
Newton  ;  **  and,  father,  Fm  afraid  there's  nothmg." 

Nicholas  backed  his  chair  from  the  table  again,  with  an 
air  of  resignation,  as  Newton  continued  : 

"  Indeed,  father,  I  think  we  must  try  our  fortune  else- 
where. What's  the  use  of  staying  where  we  cannot  get 
employment  ?  Everything  is  now  gone,  except  our 
wearing  apparel.  We  might  raise  some  money  upon 
mine,  it  is  true ;  but  had  we  not  better,  before  we  spend 
it,  try  if  fortune  will  be  more  favourable  to  us  in  some 
other  place  ?  " 

"  Why,  yes,  Newton,  Fve  been  thinking  that  if  we  were 
to  go  to  London,  my  improvement  on  the  duplex " 

**  Is  that  our  only  chance  there,  sir  ?"  replied  Newton, 
half  smihng. 

*'  Why  no  ;  now  I  think  of  it,  I've  a  brother  there, 
John  Forster,  or  Jack,  as  we  used  to  call  him.  It's  near 
thirty  years  since  I  heard  of  him  ;  but  somebody  told  me, 
when  you  were  in  the  West  Indies,  that  he  had  become  a 
great  lawyer,  and  was  making  a  large  fortune.  I  quite 
forgot  the  circumstance  till  just  now." 

Newton  had  before  heard  his  father  mention  that  he  had 
two  brothers,  but  whether  dead  or  alive  he  could  not  tell. 
The  present  intelligence  appeared  to  hold  out  some  pro- 
spect of  relief,  for  Newton  could  not  for  a  moment  doubt 
that  if  his  uncle  was  in  such  flourishing  circumstances,  he 
would  not  refuse  assistance  to  his  brother.  He  therefore 
resolved  not  to  wait  until  their  means  were  totally  ex- 
hausted :  the  next  day  he  disposed  of  all  his  clothes 
except    one    suit,  and  found  himself  richer  than  he  had 


172  Newton  Forster;  or, 

imagined.  Having  paid  his  landlord  the  trifle  due  for  rent, 
without  any  other  incumbrance  than  the  packet  of  articles 
picked  up  in  the  trunk  at  sea,  three  pounds  sterling  in  his 
pocket,  and  the  ring  of  Madame  de  Fontanges  on  his  little 
finger,  Newton,  with  his  father,  set  off  on  foot  for  the 
metropolis. 

Chapter  XXIV 

«I  labour  to  diffuse  the  important  good 
Till  this  great  truth  by  all  be  understood, 
That  all  the  pious  duty  which  we  owe 
Our  parents,  friends,  our  country,  and  our  God, 
The  seeds  of  every  virtue  here  below, 
From  discipline  and  early  culture  grow." 

West. 

The  different  chapters  of  a  novel  remind  me  of  a  convoy 
of  vessels.  The  incidents  and  dramatis  persona  are  so  many 
respective  freights,  all  under  the  charge  of  the  inventor, 
who,  like  a  man-of-war,  must  see  them  all  safely,  and 
together,  into  port.  And  as  the  commanding  officer,  when 
towing  one  vessel  which  has  lagged  behind  up  to  the  rest, 
finds  that  in  the  meantime  another  has  dropped  nearly  out 
of  sight,  and  is  obliged  to  cast  off  the  one  in  tow,  to  per- 
form the  same  necessary  duty  towards  the  sternmost,  so 
am  I  necessitated  for  the  present  to  quit  Nicholas  and 
Newton,  while  I  run  down  to  Edward  Forster  and  his 
protegee. 

It  must  be  recollected  that,  during  our  narrative,  "  Time 
has  rolled  his  ceaseless  course,"  and  season  has  succeeded 
season,  until  the  infant,  in  its  utter  helplessness  to  lift  its 
little  hands  for  succour,  has  sprung  up  into  a  fair  blue- 
eyed  little  maiden  of  nearly  eight  years  old,  light  as  a 
fairy  in  her  proportions,  bounding  as  a  fawn  in  her  gait ; 
her  eyes  beaming  with  joy,  and  her  cheeks  suffused  with 
the  blush  of  health,  when  tripping  over  the  sea-girt  hills ; 
meek  and  attentive  when  listening  to  the  precepts  of  her 
fond  and  adopted  parent. 

*'  Faithful,"  the  Newfoundland  dog,  is  no  more,  but  his 


The  Merchant  Service  173 

portrait  hangs  over  the  mantel-piece  in  the  little  parlour. 
Mrs  Beazely,  the  housekeeper,  has  become  inert  and 
querulous  from  rheumatism  and  the  burden  of  added 
years.  A  little  girl,  daughter  of  Robertson,  the  fisher- 
man, has  been  called  in  to  perform  her  duties,  while  she 
basks  in  the  summer's  sun  or  hangs  over  the  winter's  fire. 
Edward  Forster's  whole  employment  and  whole  delight 
has  long  been  centred  in  his  darling  child,  whose  beauty 
of  person,  quickness  of  intellect,  generous  disposition,  and 
affectionate  heart,  amply  repay  him  for  his  kind  protec- 
tion. 

Of  all  chapters  which  can  be  ventured  upon,  one  upon 
education  is  perhaps  the  most  tiresome.  Most  willingly 
would  I  pass  it  over,^  not  only  for  the  reader's  sake,  but 
for  mine  own  j  for  his — because  it  cannot  well  be  other- 
wise than  dry  and  uninteresting ;  for  mine — because  I  do 
not  exactly  know  how  to  write  it. 

But  this  cannot  be.  Amber  was  not  brought  up  accord- 
ing to  the  prescribed  maxims  of  Mesdames  Appleton  and 
Hamilton ;  and  as  effects  cannot  be  satisfactorily  compre- 
hended without  the  causes  are  made  known,  so  it  becomes 
necessary,  not  only  that  the  chapter  should  be  written, 
but,  what  is  still  more  vexatious,  absolutely  necessary  that 
it  should  be  read. 

Before  I  enter  upon  this  most  unpleasant  theme  — 
unpleasant  to  all  parties,  for  no  one  likes  to  teach,  and  no 
one  likes  to  learn, — I  cannot  help  remarking  how  ex- 
cessively au  fait  we  find  most  elderly  maiden  ladies  upon 
every  point  connected  with  the  rearing  of  our  unprofitable 
species.  They  are  erudite  upon  every  point  ab  ovo,  and  it 
would  appear  that  their  peculiar  knowledge  of  the  theory 
can  but  arise  from  their  attentions  having  never  been 
diverted  by  xhe  practice. 

Let  it  be  the  teeming  mother  or  the  new-born  babe — 
the  teething  infant  or  the  fractious  child — the  dirty,  pin- 
afored  urchin  or  sampler-spoiling  girl — school-boy  lout 
or  sapling  Miss — voice-broken,  self-admiring  hobby-de- 
hoy,   or  expanding  conscious    and  blushing  maiden,    the 


174  Newton  Forster;  or, 

whole  arcana  of  nature  and  of  art  has  been  revealed  to 
them  alone. 

Let  it  be  the  scarlet  fever  or  a  fit  of  passion,  the 
measles  or  a  shocking  fib — whooping-cough  or  apple- 
stealing — learning  too  slow  or  eating  too  fast — slapping  a 
sister  or  clawing  a  brother — let  the  disease  be  bodily  or 
mental,  they  alone  possess  the  panacea ;  and  blooming 
matrons,  spreading  out  in  their  pride,  like  the  anxious 
clucking  hen,  over  their  numerous  encircling  offspring, 
who  have  borne  them  with  a  mother's  throes,  watched 
over  them  with  a  mother's  anxious  mind,  and  reared  them 
with  a  mother's  ardent  love,  are  considered  to  be  wholly 
incompetent,  in  the  opinion  of  these  dessicated  and  barren 
branches  of  Nature's  stupendous,  ever-bearing  tree. 

Mrs  Beazely,  who  had  lost  her  husband  soon  after 
marriage,  was  not  fond  of  children,  as  they  interfered  with 
her  habits  of  extreme  neatness.  As  far  as  Amber's  educa- 
tion was  concerned,  all  we  can  say  is,  that  if  the  old 
housekeeper  did  no  good,  she  certainly  did  her  no  harm. 
As  Amber  increased  in  years  and  intelligence,  so  did  her 
thirst  for  knowledge  on  topics  upon  which  Mrs  Beazely 
was  unable  to  give  her  any  correct  information.  Under 
these  circumstances,  when  applied  to,  Mrs  Beazely,  who 
was  too  conscientious  to  mislead  the  child,  was  accustomed 
to  place  her  hand  upon  her  back,  and  complain  of  the 
rheumatiz — "  Such  a  stitch,  my  dear  love,  can't  talk  now 
— ask  your  pa  when  he  comes  home." 

Edward  Forster  had  maturely  weighed  the  difficulties 
of  the  charge  imposed  upon  him,  that  of  educating  a 
female.  The  peculiarity  of  her  situation,  without  a  friend 
in  the  wide  world  except  himself;  and  his  days,  in  all 
probability,  numbered  to  that  period  at  which  she  would 
most  require  an  adviser — that  period,  when  the  heart 
rebels  against  the  head  and  too  often  overthrows  the 
legitimate  dynasty  of  reason,  determined  him  to  give  a 
masculine  character  to  her  education,  as  most  likely  to 
prove  the  surest  safeguard  through  a  deceitful  world. 

Aware   that  more  knowledge  is   to  be  imparted   to  a 


The  Merchant  Service  175 

child  by  conversation  than  by  any  other  means  (for  by 
this  system  education  is  divested  of  its  drudgery),  during 
the  first  six  years  of  her  life  Amber  knew  little  more 
than  the  letters  of  the  alphabet.  It  was  not  until  her 
desire  of  information  was  excited  to  such  a  degree  as  to 
render  her  anxious  to  obtain  her  own  means  of  acquiring 
it  that  Amber  was  taught  to  read ;  and  then  it  was  at 
her  own  request.  Edward  Forster  was  aware  that  a  child 
of  six  years  old,  willing  to  learn,  would  soon  pass  by 
another  who  had  been  drilled  to  it  at  an  earlier  age  and 
against  its  will,  and  whose  mind  had  been  checked  in  its 
expansive  powers  by  the  weight  which  constantly  oppressed 
its  infant  memory.  Until  the  above  age,  the  mind  of 
Amber  had  been  permitted  to  run  as  unconfined  through 
its  own  little  regions  of  fancy,  as  her  active  body  had 
been  allowed  to  spring  up  the  adjacent  hills — and  both 
were  equally  beautified  and  strengthened  by  the  healthy 
exercise. 

Religion  was  deeply  impressed  upon  her  grateful  heart ; 
but  it  was  simplified  almost  to  unity,  that  it  might  be 
clearly  understood.  It  was  conveyed  to  her  through  the 
glorious  channel  of  nature,  and  God  was  loved  and  feared 
from  the  contemplation  and  admiration  of  His  works. 

Did  Amber  fix  her  eyes  upon  the  distant  ocean,  or 
watch  the  rolling  of  the  surf;  did  they  wander  over  the 
verdant  hills,  or  settle  on  the  beetling  cliff;  did  she  raise 
her  cherub-face  to  the  heavens,  and  wonder  at  the  studded 
firmament  of  stars,  or  the  moon  sailing  in  her  cold  beauty, 
or  the  sun  blinding  her  in  his  warmth  and  splendour ; — 
she  knew  that  it  was  God  who  made  them  all.  Did  she 
ponder  over  the  variety  of  the  leaf;  did  she  admire  the 
painting  of  the  flower,  or  watch  the  motions  of  the  minute 
insect,  which,  but  for  her  casual  observation,  might  have 
lived  and  died  unseen ; — she  felt,  she  knew  that  all  was 
made  for  man's  advantage  or  enjoyment,  and  that  God 
was  great  and  good.  Her  orisons  were  short,  but  they 
were  sincere ;  unlike  the  child  who,  night  and  morning, 
stammers  through  a  "  Belief"  which  it  cannot  comprehend. 


176  Newton  Forster;  or, 

and  whose  ideas  of  religion  are,  from  injudicious  treatment, 
too  soon  connected  with  feelings  of  impatience  and  disgust. 

Curiosity  has  been  much  abused.  From  a  habit  we 
have  contracted  in  this  world  of  not  calling  things  by 
their  right  names,  it  has  been  decried  as  a  vice,  whereas 
it  ought  to  have  been  classed  as  a  virtue.  Had  Adam 
first  discovered  the  forbidden  fruit  he  would  have  tasted 
it,  without,  like  Eve,  requiring  the  suggestions  of  the 
devil  to  urge  him  on  to  disobedience.  But  if  by  curiosity 
was  occasioned  the  fall  of  man,  it  is  the  same  passion  by 
which  he  is  spurred  to  rise  again,  and  reappear  only 
inferior  to  the  Deity.  The  curiosity  of  little  minds  may 
be  impertinent ;  but  the  curiosity  of  great  minds  is  the 
thirst  for  knowledge — the  daring  of  our  immortal  powers — 
the  enterprise  of  the  soul,  to  raise  itself  again  to  its  original 
high  estate.  It  was  curiosity  which  stimulated  the  great 
Newton  to  search  into  the  laws  of  heaven,  and  enabled 
his  master-mind  to  translate  the  vast  mysterious  page  of 
Nature,  ever  before  our  eyes  since  the  creation  of  the 
world,  but  never,  till  he  appeared,  to  be  read  by  mortal 
man.  It  is  this  passion  which  must  be  nurtured  in  our 
childhood,  for  upon  its  healthy  growth  and  vigour  depends 
the  future  expansion  of  the  mind. 

How  little  money  need  be  expended  to  teach  a  child, 
and  yet  what  a  quantity  of  books  we  have  to  pay  for ! 
Amber  had  hardly  ever  looked  into  a  book,  and  yet  she 
knew  more,  that  is,  had  more  general  useful  knowledge 
than  others  who  were  twice  her  age.  How  small  was 
Edward  Forster's  little  parlour — how  humble  the  furniture 
it  contained ! — a  carpet,  a  table,  a  few  chairs,  a  small 
China  vase,  as  an  ornament,  on  the  mantel-piece.  How 
few  were  the  objects  brought  to  Amber's  view  in  their 
small  secluded  home !  The  plates  and  knives  for  dinner, 
a  silver  spoon  or  two,  and  their  articles  of  wearing  apparel. 
Yet  how  endless,  how  inexhaustible  was  the  amusement 
and  instruction  derived  from  these  trifling  sources  ! — for 
these  were  Forster's  books. 

The   carpet — its   hempen  ground  carried   them   to   the 


The  Merchant  Service  177 

north,  from  whence  the  material  came,  the  inhabitants  of 
the  frozen  world,  their  manners  and  their  customs,  the 
climate  and  their  cities,  their  productions  and  their  sources 
of  wealth.  Its  woollen  surface,  with  its  various  dyes — 
each  dye  containing  an  episode  of  an  island  or  a  state,  a 
point  of  natural  history,  or  of  art  and  manufacture. 

The  mahogany  table,  like  some  magic  vehicle,  trans- 
ported them  in  a  second  to  the  torrid  zone,  where  the 
various  tropical  flowers  and  fruit,  the  towering  cocoa-nut, 
the  spreading  palm,  the  broad-leaved  banana,  the  fragrant 
pine — all  that  was  indigenous  to  the  country,  all  that  was 
peculiar  in  the  scenery  and  the  clime,  were  pictured  to  the 
imagination  of  the  delighted  Amber. 

The  little  vase  upon  the  mantel-piece  swelled  into  a 
splendid  atlas  of  eastern  geography,  an  inexhaustible 
folio  describing  Indian  customs,  the  Asiatic  splendour 
of  costume,  the  gorgeous  thrones  of  the  descendants  of 
the  Prophet,  the  history  of  the  Prophet  himself,  the 
superior  instinct  and  stupendous  body  of  the  elephant ; 
all  that  Edward  Forster  had  collected  of  nature  or  of 
art,  through  these  extensive  regions,  were  successively 
displayed,  until  they  returned  to  China,  from  whence 
they  had  commenced  their  travels.  Thus  did  the  little 
vase,  hke  the  vessel  taken  up  by  the  fisherman  in  the 
''Arabian  Nights,"  contain  a  giant  confined  by  the  seal 
of  Solomon — Knowledge. 

The  knife  and  spoon  brought  food  unto  the  mind  as 
well  as  to  the  body.  The  mines  were  entered,  the 
countries  pointed  out  in  which  they  were  to  be  found, 
the  various  metals,  their  value,  and  the  uses  to  which 
they  were  applied.  The  dress  again  led  them  abroad ; 
the  cotton  hung  in  pods  upon  the  tree,  the  silkworm 
spun  its  yellow  tomb,  all  the  process  of  manufacture 
was  explained.  The  loom  again  was  worked  by  fancy, 
until  the  article  in  comment  was  again  produced. 

Thus  was  Amber  instructed  and  amused  :  and  thus,  with 
nature  for  his  hornbook,  and  art  for  his  primer,  did  the  little 
parlour  of  Edward  Forster  expand  into  the  "  universe." 

F  M 


1 78  Newton  Forster: 


Chapter  XXV 

" they  boast 

Their  noble  birth :  conduct  us  to  the  tombs 
Of  their  forefathers,  and  from  age  to  age 
Ascending,  trumpet  their  illustrious  race."^ 

-GOWPER. 

Devoted  as  he  was  to  the  instruction  of  his  adopted 
child,  Edward  Forster  was  nevertheless  aware  that  more 
was  required  in  the  education  of. a  female  than  he  was 
competent  to  fulfil.  Many  -and  melancholy  were  his 
reveries  on  the  forlorn  prospects  of  the  little  girl  (con- 
sidering his  own  precarious  life  and  the  little  chance  that 
appeared  of  restoring  her  to  her  friends  and  relations), 
still  he  resolved  that  all  that  could  should  be  done ;  the 
issue  he  left  to  Providence.  That  she  might  not  be  cast 
wholly  unknown  upon  the  world,  in  case  of  his  death,  he 
had  often  taken  Amber  to  a  neighbouring  mansion,  with 
the  owner  of  which,  Lord  Aveleyn,  he  had  long  been  on 
friendly  terms ;  although,  until  latterly,  he  had  declined 
mixing  with  the  society  which  was  there  collected.  Many 
years  before,  the  possessor  had  entered  the  naval  service, 
and  had,  during  the  few  months  that' he  had  served  in  the 
capacity  of  midshipman,  been  intrusted  to  the  charge  of 
Edward  Forster. 

It  is  a  curious  fact,  although  little  commented  upon, 
how  much  society  in  general  is  affected  by  the  entailment 
of  property  in  aristocratical  families  upon  the  male  heir  ; 
we  may  add,  how  much  it  is  demoralised.  The  eldest 
son,  accustomed  from  his  earliest  days  to  the  flattery  and 
adulation  of  dependents,  is  impressed  with  but  one  single 
idea,  namely,  that  he  is  the  fortunate  person  deputed  by 
chance  to  spend  so  many  thousands  per  annum,  and  that 
his  brothers  and  sisters,  with  equal  claims  upon  their 
parent,  are  to  be  almost  dependent  upon  him  for  support. 
Of  this,  the  latter  are  but  too  soon  made  conscious,  by  the 
difference  of  treatment  which  they  experience  from  those 
around  themj   and  feelings  of  envy  and  ill-will  towards 


The  Merchant  Service  179 

their  eldest  brother  are  but  too  often  the  result  of  such 
inequality.  Thus,  one  of  the  greatest  charms  of  life, 
unity  between  brethren,  is  destroyed. 

The  possessor  of  the  title  and  the  estates  is  at  last  borne 
to  his  long  home,  there  to  lie  until  summoned  before  that 
Presence  where  he,  and  those  who  were  kings,  and  those 
who  were  clowns,  will  stand  trembling  as  erring  men, 
awaiting  the  fiat  of  eternal  justice.  In  his  turn,  the  young 
lord  revels  in  his  youth. 

Then  how  much  more  trying  is  the  situation  of  the 
younger  brothers.  During  their  father's  lifetime  they  had 
a  home,  and  were  brought  up  in  scenes  and  with  ideas 
commensurate  with  the  fortune  which  had  been  entailed. 
Now,  they  find  themselves  thrown  upon  the  world,  with- 
out the  means  of  support,  even  adequate  to  their  wants. 
Like  the  steward  in  the  parable,  "  They  cannot  dig,  to  beg 
they  are  ashamed  j  "  and,  like  him,  they  too  often  resort  to 
unworthy  means  to  supply  their  exigencies. 

Should  the  young  heir  prove  sickly,  what  speculations 
on  his  demise  !  The  worldly  stake  is  so  enormous  that 
the  ties  of  nature  are  dissolved,  and  a  brother  rejoices  at  a 
brother's  death  !  One  generation  is  not  sufficient  to  remove 
these  feelings  ;  the  barrenness  of  his  marriage-bed,  or  the 
weakly  state  of  his  children,  are  successively  speculated 
upon  by  the  presumptive  heir.  Let  it  not  be  supposed 
that  I  would  infer  this  always  to  be  the  fact.  I  have  put 
the  extreme  case,  to  point  out  what  must  ensue,  according 
to  the  feelings  of  our  nature,  if  care  is  not  taken  to  prevent 
its  occurrence.  There  is  a  cruelty,  a  more  than  cruelty,  in 
parents  bringing  up  their  children  with  ideas  which  seldom 
can  be  realised,  and  rendering  their  future  lives  a  pil- 
grimage of  misery  and  discontent,  if  not  of  depravity. 

But  the  major  part  of  our  aristocracy  are  neither  defi- 
cient in  talent  nor  in  worth.  They  set  a  bright  example  to 
the  nobles  of  other  countries,  and  very  frequently  even  to 
the  less  demoralised  society  of  our  own.  Trammelled  by 
the  deeds  of  their  forefathers,  they  employ  every  means  in 
their  power  to  remedy  the  evil  -,  and  a  large  proportion  of 


i8o  Newton  Forster;  or, 

their  younger  branches  find  useful  and  honourable  employ- 
ment in  the  army,  the  navy,  or  the  church.  But  their 
numbers  cannot  all  be  provided  for  by  these  channels ;  and 
it  is  the  country  at  large  which  is  taxed  to  supply  the 
means  of  sustenance  to  the  younger  scions  of  nobility — 
taxed  directly  in  the  shape  of  place  and  sinecure,  indirectly 
in  various  ways  ;  but  in  no  way  so  heavily  as  by  the 
monopoly  of  the  East  India  Company,  which  has  so  long 
been  permitted  to  oppress  the  nation,  that  these  detri- 
mentals (as  they  have  named  themselves),  may  be  provided 
for.  It  is  a  well-known  fact,  that  there  is  hardly  a  peer  in 
the  Upper  House,  or  many  representatives  of  the  people  in 
the  lower,  who  are  not,  or  who  anticipate  to  be,  under 
some  obhgation  to  this  Company,  by  their  relations  or 
connections  being  provided  for  in  those  distant  climes  ;  and 
it  is  this  bribery  (for  bribery  it  is,  in  whatever  guise  it  may 
appear)  that  upholds  one  of  the  most  glaring,  the  most 
oppressive  of  all  monopoHes,  in  the  face  of  common  sense, 
common  justice,  and  common  decency.  Other  taxes  are 
principally  felt  by  the  higher  and  middling  classes  ;  but 
this  most  odious,  this  most  galling  tax,  is  felt  even  in  the 
cottage  of  the  labourer,  who  cannot  return  to  refresh  him- 
self after  his  day  of  toil  with  his  favourite  beverage, 
without  paying  twice  its  value  out  of  his  hard-earned 
pittance,  to  swell  the  dividend  of  the  Company,  and 
support  these  pruriencies  of  nobJe  blood. 

And  yet,  deprecating  the  evils  arising  from  the  system 
of  entail,  I  must  acknowledge  that  there  are  no  other 
means  by  which  (in  a  monarchical  government)  the  desir- 
able end  of  upholding  rank  is  to  be  obtained.  I  remember 
once,  when  conversing  with  an  American,  I  inquired  after 
one  or  two  of  his  countrymen,  who,  but  a  few  years 
before,  were  of  great  wealth  and  influence.  To  one  of 
my  remarks  he  answered,  **  In  our  country,  all  the  wealth 
and  power  at  the  time  attached  to  it  does  not  prevent  a 
name  from  sinking  into  insignificance,  or  from  being  for- 
gotten soon  after  its  possessor  is  dead,  for  we  do  not 
entail  property.     The   distribution    scatters    the    amassed 


The  Merchant  Service  i8i 

heap,  by  which  the  world  around  him  had  been  attracted ; 
and  although  the  distribution  tends  to  the  general  fertilisa- 
tion of  the  country,  yet  with  the  disappearance,  the  in- 
fluence of  the  possessor,  and  even  his  name,  are  soon 
forgotten." 

These  remarks,  as  will  appear  in  the  sequel,  are  apposite 
to  the  parties  whom  I  am  about  to  introduce  to  the  readers. 
As,  however,  they  are  people  of  some  consequence,  it  may 
appear  to  be  a  want  of  due  respect  on  my  part,  if  I  were 
to  introduce  them  at  the  fag-end  of  a  chapter. 


Chapter    XXVI 

"  'Twas  his  the  vast  and  trackless  deep  to  rove. 
Alternate  change  of  climates  has  he  known, 
And  felt  the  fierce  extremes  of  either  zone, 
Where  polar  skies  congeal  th'  eternal  snow, 
Or  equinoctial  suns  for  ever  glow  ; 
Smote  by  the  freezing  or  the  scorching  blast, 
A  ship-boy  on  the  high  and  giddy  mast." 

Falconer. 

The  father  of  the  present  Lord  Aveleyn  had  three  sons, 
and,  in  conformity  with  the  usages  commented  upon  in  the 
preceding  chapter,  the  two  youngest  were  condemned  to 
the  army  and  navy  j  the  second,  who  had  priority  of  choice, 
being  dismissed  to  gather  laurels  in  a  red  coat,  while  the 
third  was  recommended  to  do  the  same,  if  he  could,  in  a 
suit  of  blue.  Fairly  embarked  in  their  several  professions, 
a  sum  of  fifty  pounds  per  annum  was  placed  in  the  hands 
of  their  respective  agents,  and  no  more  was  thought  about 
a  pair  of  "  detrimentals." 

Lord  Aveleyn's  father,  who  had  married  late  in  life,  was 
summoned  away  when  the  eldest  brother  of  the  present 
Lord  Aveleyn,  the  heir,  was  yet  a  minor,  about  two  years 
after  he  had  embarked  in  the  ship  to  which  Edward  Forster 
belonged.  Now  it  was  the  will  of  Providence  that,  about 
six  months  after  the  old  nobleman's  decease,  the  young  lord 


1 82  Newton  Forster;  or, 

and  his  second  brother,  who  had  obtained  a  short  furlough, 
should  most  unadvisedly  embark  in  a  small  sailing  boat  on 
the  lake  close  to  the  mansion,  and  that,  owing  to  some  mis- 
management of  the  sail,  the  boat  upset,  and  they  were  both 
drowned. 

As  soon  as  the  melancholy  intelligence  was  made  known 

to  the  tr-ustees,.  a  letter  was  despatched  to  Captain  L , 

who  commanded  the  ship  in  which  young  Aveleyn  was 
serving  his  time,  acquainting  him  with  the  catastrophe,  and 
requesting  the  immediate  discharge  of  the  young  midship- 
man. The  captain  repaired  on  board ;  when  he  arrived  on 
the  quarter-deck,  he  desired  the  first  lieutenant  to  send 
down  for  young  Aveleyn. 

**  He  is  at  the  mast-^head,  sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant, 
**  for  neglect  of  duty." 

"  Really,  Mr  W ,"  replied  the    captain,   who    had 

witnessed  the  boy's  ascent  at  least  a.  hundred  times  before 
with  perfect  indifference,  and  had  often  sent  him  up  him- 
self, "  you  appear  to  be  very  sharp  upon  that  poor  lad  5 
you  make  no  allowance  for  youth — boys  will  be  boys." 

**  He's  the  most  troublesome  young  monkey  in  the  ship, 
sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  surprised  at  this  unusual 
interference. 

**  He  has  always  appeared  to  me  to  be  a  well-disposed, 

intelligent  lad,  Mr  W ;  and  I  wish  you  to  understand 

that  I  do  not  approve  of  this  syst-em  of  eternal  mast-head- 
ing. However,  he  will  not  trouble  you  any  more,  as  his 
discharge  is  to  be  immediately  made  out.  He  is  now," 
continued  the  captain,  pausing  to  give  m^re  effect  to  his 
communication,  "  Lord  Aveleyn." 

"Whew!  now  the  murder's  out,"  mentally  exclaimed 
the  first  lieutenant. 

"  Call  him  down  immediately,  Mr  W ,  if  you  please 

. — and  recollect  that  I  disapprove  of  the  system." 

"  Certainly,  sir;  but  really.  Captain  L- ,  I  don't  know 

what  I  shall  do  if  you  restrict  my  power  of  punishing  the 
young  gentlemen  ;  they  are  so  extremely  unruly.  There's 
Mr  Malcolm,"  continued  the  first  lieutenant,  pointing  to  a 


The  Merchant  Service  183 

youngster  who  was  walking  on  the  other  side  of  the  deck, 
with  his  hands  in  his  pockets,  "  it  was  but  yesterday  that 
he  chopped  off  at  least  four  inches  from  the  tail  of  your 
dog  *Ponto'  at  the  beef-block,  and  pretends  it  was  an 
accident." 

"  What !  my  setter's  tail  ?" 

**  Yes,  sir,  he  did,  I  can  assure  you." 

"  Mr  Malcolm,"  cried  the  captain,  in  great  wrath,  *'  how 
came  you  to  cut  off  my  dog's  tail  ? " 

Before  I  went  to  sea  I  had  always  considered  a  London 
cock-sparrow  to  be  the  truest  emblem  of  consummate 
impudence ;  but  I  have  since  discovered  that  he  is  quite 
modest  compared  to  a  midshipman. 

"Me,  sir?"  replied  the  youngster,  demurely.  "I 
didn't  cut  off  his  tail,  sir  ;  he  cut  it  off  himself  I  " 

"  What,  sir  ?  "  roared  the  captain. 

"  If  you  please,  sir,  I  was  chopping  a  piece  of  beef,  and 
the  dog,  who  was  standing  by,  turned  short  round,  and  put 
his  tail  under  the  chopper." 

'*  Put  his  tail  under    the  -chopper,  you    little  scamp  !  " 

replied  Captain  L ,  in  a  fury.     "Now  just  put  your 

head  above  the  maintop-gallant  cross-trees,  and  stay  there 

until  you  are  called  down.     Mr  W ,  you'll  keep  him 

up  till  sunset." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  with  a  satis- 
factory smile  at  the  description  of  punishment  inflicted. 

When  I  was  a  midshipman,  it  was  extremely  difficult  to 
avoid  the  mast-head.  Out  of  six  years  served  in  that 
capacity,  I  once  made  a  calculation  that  two  of  them  were 
passed  away  perched  upon  the  cross-trees,  looking  down 
with  calm  philosophy  upon  the  microcosm  below.  Yet, 
although  I  never  deserved  it,  I  derived  much  future 
advantage  from  my  repeated  punishments.  The  mast- 
head, for  want  of  something  worse  to  do,  became  my  study  5 
and  during  the  time  spent  there,  I  in  a  manner  finished 
my  education.  Volumes  after  volumes  were  perused  to 
while  away  the  tedious  hours ;  and  I  conscientiously 
believe  it  is  to  this  mode  of  punishment  adopted  by  my 


184  Newton  Forster;  or, 

rigid  superiors  that  the  world  is  indebted  for  all  the  pretty 
books  which  I  am  writing. 

I  was  generally  exalted  either  for  thinking  or  not  thinking ; 
and  as  I  am  not  aware  of  any  medium  between  the  active 
and  passive  state  of  our  minds  (except  dreaming,  which  is 
still  more  unpardonable),  the  reader  may  suppose  that  there 
is  no  exaggeration  in  my  previous  calculation  of  one-third 
of  my  midshipman  existence  having  been  passed  away  upon 
*'  the  high  and  giddy  mast." 

"  Mr  M ,"  would  the  first  lieutenant  cry  out,  "  why 

did  you  stay  so  long  on  shore  with  the  jolly-boat  ?  " 

"  I  went  to  the  post-office  for  the  officers'  letters,  sir." 

"  And  pray,  sir,  who  ordered  you  ? " 

"  No  one,  sir  ;  but  I  thought " 

"  You  thought^  sir  !  How  dare  ^ou  think  ? — go  up  to  the 
mast-head,  sir." 

So  much  for  thinking, 

"  Mr  M ,"  would  he  say  at  another  time,  when  I 

came  on  board,  "  did  you  call  at  the  admiral's  office  ?  "  . 

"  No,  sir  ;  I  had  no  orders.      I  didn't  think " 

"  Then  why  didrit  you  think ^  sir  ?  Up  to  the  mast-head, 
and  stay  there  till  I  call  you  down." 

So  much  for  not  thinking.  Like  the  fable  of  the  wolf 
and  the  lamb,  it  was  all  the  same  ;  bleat  as  I  pleased,  my 
defence  was  useless,  and  I  could  not  avert  my  barbarous 
doom. 

To  proceed  :   Captain  L went  over  the  side  ;  the 

last  pipe  had  been  given,  and  the  boatswain  had  returned 
his  call  into  his  jacket-pocket  and  walked  forward,  when 
the  first  lieutenant,  in  pursuance  of  his  orders,  looked  up 
aloft,  intending  to  have  hailed  the  new  lord,  and  have 
requested  the  pleasure  of  his  company  on  deck ;  but  the 
youngster,  feeling  a  slight  degree  of  appetite,  after  enjoying 
the  fresh  air  for  seven  hours  without  any  breakfast,  had 
just  ventured  down  the  topmast  rigging,  that  he  might 
obtain  possession  of  a  bottle  of  tea  and  some  biscuit,  which 
one  of  his  messmates  had  carried  up  for  him,  and  stowed 
away  in  the  bunt  of   the  maintopsail.     Young    Aveleyn, 


i 


The  Merchant  Service  185 

who  thought  that  the  departure  of  the  captain  would 
occupy  the  attention  of  the  first  lieutenant,  had  just 
descended  to,  and  was  placing  his  foot  on,  the  topsail  yard, 

when    Mr  W looked    up,   and    witnessed    this   act  of 

disobedience.  As  this  was  a  fresh  offence  committed,  he 
thought  himself  warranted  in  not  complying  with  the 
captain's  mandate,  and  the  boy  was  ordered  up  again,  to 
remain  till  sunset.       *'  I  would   have  called    him  down," 

muttered  Mr  W ,  whose  temper  had  been  soured  from 

long  disappointment ;  "  but  since  he's  a  lord,  he  shall  have  a 
good  spell  of  it  before  he  quits  the  service  ;  and  then  we 
shall  not  have  his  recommendation  to  others  in  his  own  rank 
to  come  into  it  and  interfere  with  our  promotion." 

Now,  it  happened  that  Mr  W ,  who  had  an  eye  like  a 

hawk,  when  he  cast  his  eyes  aloft,  observed  that  the  bunt  of 
the  maintopsail  was  not  exactly  so  well  stowed  as  it  ought 
to  be  on  board  of  a  man-of-war ;  which  is  not  to  be 
wondered  at,  when  it  is  recollected  that  the  midshipmen  had 
been  very  busy  enlarging  it  to  make  a  pantry.  He  therefore 
turned  the  hands  up,  "  mend  sails,"  and  took  his  station 
amidship  on  the  booms,  to  see  that  this,  the  most  delin- 
quent sail,  was  properly  furled. — "Trice  up — layout — All 
ready  forward  ?  " — **  All  ready,  sir." — "  All  ready  abaft  ? " 
— *'  All  ready,  sir." — "  Let  fall." — Down  came  the  sails 
from  the  yards,  and  down  also  came  the  bottle  of  tea  and 
biscuit  upon  the  face  of  the  first  lieutenant,  who  was 
looking  up  ;  the  former  knocking  out  three  of  his  front 
teeth,  besides  splitting  open  both  his  lips  and  chin. 

Young  Aveleyn,  who  witnessed  the  catastrophe,  was 
delighted ;  the  other  midshipmen  on  deck  crowded  round 
their  superior,  to  offer  their  condolements,  winking  and 
making  faces  at  each  other  in  by-play,  until  the  first 
lieutenant  descended  to  his  cabin,  when  they  no  longer 
restrained  their  mirth. 

About  an  hour  afterwards,  Mr  W reappeared,  with 

his  face  bound  up,  and  summoned  all  the  young  gentle- 
men on  deck,  insisting  upon  being  informed  who  it  was 
who  had  stowed  away  the  bottle  in  the  bunt  of  the  sail  j 


1 86  Newton  Forster;  or, 

but  midshipmen  have  most  treacherous  memories,  and  not 
one  of  them  knew  anything  about  it.  As  a  last  resource, 
young  Aveleyn  was  called  down  from  the  mast-head. 

"  Now,    sir,"    said    Mr   W ,    '*  either    inform    me 

directly  who  it  was  who  stowed  away  the  bottle  aloft,  or 
I  pledge  you  my  word  you  shall  be  discharged  from  his 
Majesty's  service  to-morrow  morning.  Don't  pretend  to 
say  that  you  don't  know — for  you  must." 

"  I  do  know,"  replied  the  youngster,  boldly;  "but  I 
never  will  tell." 

"  Then  either  you  or  I  shall  leave  the  service.  Man 
the  first  cutter  ; "  and  when  the  boat  was  manned,  the 
first  lieutenant  sent  some  papers  on  shore,  which  he  had 
been  desired  t©  do  by  the  captain. 

When  the  boat  returned,  the  clerk  was  sent  for,  and  de- 
sired by  Mr  W to  make  out  Mr  Aveleyn's  discharge, 

as  the  officers  and  midshipmen  thought  (for  Mr  W had 

kept  his  secret),  for  his  disobedient  conduct.  The  poor 
boy,  who  thought  all  his  prospects  blighted,  was  sent  on 
shore,  the  tears  running  down  his  cheeks,  as  much  from 
the  applause  and  kind  farewells  of  his  shipmates,  as  from 
the  idea  of  the  degradation  which  he  underwent:.  Now, 
the  real  culprit  was  young  Malcolm,  who,  to  oblige  the 
captain,  had  taken  his  station  at  the  foretop-gallant  mast- 
head, because  the  dog  "Ponto"  thought  proper  to  cut  off 
his  own  tail.  The  first  lieutenant,  in  his  own  woe,  forgot 
that  of  others;  and  it  was  not  until  past  nine  o'clock  at  night 
that  Malcolm,  who  thought  that  he  had  stayed  up  quite 
long  enough,  ventured  below,  when  he  was  informed  of 
what  had  taken  place. 

The  youngster  immedia;tely  penned  a  letter  to  the 
captain,  acknowledging  that  he  was  the  offender,  and 
requesting  that  Mr  Aveleyn  might  not  be  discharged  from 
the  service  ;  he  also  ventured  to  add  a  postscript,  begging 
that  the  same  lenity  might  be  extended  towards  himself; 
which  letter  was  sent  on  shore  by  the  captain's  gig,  when 
it  left  the  ship  the  next  morning,  and  was  received  by 
Captain  L at  the  very  same  time  that  young  Aveleyn, 


The  Merchant  Service  iSy 

who  had  not  been  sent  on  shore  till  late  in  the  evening, 
called  upon  the  captain  to  request  a  reprieve  from  his  hard 
sentence. 

The  boy  sent  up  his  name  and  was  immediately  ad- 
mitted. 

*'  I  presume  you  know  why  you  are  discharged  from 
the  service  ? "  said  Captain  L ,  smiling  benignantly. 

"Yes,  sir,"  replied  the  boy,  holding  his  head  down  sub- 
missively, "  because  of  that  accident — I'm  very  sorry,  sir." 

"Of  course  you  must,  and  ought  to  be.  Such  heavy 
blows  are  not  common,  and  hard  to  bear.  I  presume  you 
go  immediately  to  Buckhurst  ?  " 

"  I  suppose  I  must,  sir  ;  but  I  hope.  Captain   L , 

that  you'll  look  over  it.'* 

"  I  shall  have  very  great  pleasure  in  so  doing,"  replied 
Captain  L ;  "  I  hear  that  it  is " 

"  Thanky,  sir,  thanky,"  replied  the  youngster,  inter- 
rupting the  captain.  "Then  may  I  go  on  board  again 
and  tell  the  first  lieutenant  ? " 

"Tell  the  first  lieutenant  what  ?"  cried  Captain  L , 

perceiving  some    mistake.     "  Why,  has   not    Mr  W 

told  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  he  told  me  it  was  your  orders  that  I  should 
be  dismissed  his  Majesty's  service." 

"  Discharged — not  dismissed.  And  I  presume  he  told 
you  why  :  because  your  two  elder  brothers  are  dead,  and 
you  are  now  Lord  Aveleyn." 

"  No,  sir ! "  cried  the  youngster  with  astonishment  ; 
"  because  his  three  front  teeth  are  knocked  out  with  a 
bottle  of  scaldchops,  and  I  would  not  peach  who  stowed  it 
away  in  the  bunt  of  the  sail." 

"  This  is  excessively  strange!  "  replied  Captain  L . 

"  Do  me  the  favour  to  sit  down,  my  lord  ;  the  letters 
from  the  ship  will  probably  explain  the  affair." 

There  was,  however,  no  explanation,  except  from 
young  Malcolm.  The  captain  read  his  letter,  and  put  it 
into  the  hands  of  Lord  Aveleyn,  who  entered  into  a  detail 
of  the  whole. 


1 88  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Captain    L produced   the   letter  from   the  trustees, 

and,  desiring  his  lordship  to  command  him  as  to  any  funds 
he  might  require,  requested  the  pleasure  of  his  company 
to  dinner.  The  boy,  whose  head  wheeled  with  the 
sudden  change  in  his  prospects,  was  glad  to  retire,  having 
first  obtained  permission  to  return  on  board  with  young 
Malcolm's  pardon,  which  had  been  most  graciously  acceded 
to.  To  the  astonishment  of  everybody  on  board,  young 
Aveleyn  came  alongside  in  the  captain's  own  gig,  when 
the  scene  in  the  midshipmen's  berth  and  the  discomfiture 
of  the  first  lieutentant  may  be  imagined. 

"  You  don't  belong  to  the  service,  Frank,"  said  the  old 
master's  mate  ;  "  and,  as  peer  of  the  realm,  coming  on 
board  to  visit  the  ship,  you  are  entitled  to  a  salute.     Send 

up  and  say  you  expect  one,  and  then  W must  have 

the  guard  up,  and  pay  you  proper  respect.  I'll  be 
hanged  if  I  don't  take  the  message,  if  you  consent  to  it." 

But  Lord  Aveleyn  had  come  on  board  to  pay  a  debt  of 
gratitude,  not  to  inflict  mortification.  He  soon  quitted 
the  ship,  promising  never  to  forget  Malcolm  ;  and,  unlike 
the  promises  of  most  great  men,  it  was  fulfilled,  and 
Malcolm  rose  to  be  a  captain  from  his  own  merit,  backed 
by  the  exertions  of  his  youthful  patron. 

For  the  next  week  the  three  mast-heads  were  so  loaded 
with  midshipmen,  that  the  boatswain  proposed  a  preventer 
backstay,  that  the  top-masts  might  not  go  over  the  side  ;  but 

shortly   after.   Captain   L ,  who   was    not   pleased    at 

the  falsehood  which  Mr  W had  circulated,  and  who 

had  many  other  reasons  for  parting  with  him,  succeeded 
in  having  him  appointed  to  another  ship  ;  after  which  the 
midshipmen  walked  up  and  down  the  quarter-deck  with 
their  hands  in  their  pockets,  as  before. 


The  Merchant  Service  189 

Chapter  XXVII 

"  But  Adeline  determined  Juan's  wedding 
In  her  own  mind,  and  that's  enough  for  woman  ; 
But  then  with  whom  ?     There  was  the  sage  Miss  Redding, 
Miss  Raw,  Miss  Flaw,  Miss  Showman  and  Miss  Knowman, 
And  the  two  fair  co-heiresses  Giltbedding. 
She  deem'd  his  merits  something  more  than  common. 
All  these  were  unobjectionable  matches, 
And  might  go  on,  if  well  wound  up,  like  watches." 

Byron. 

The  young  Lord  Aveleyn  returned  to  the  hall  of  his 
ancestors,  exchanging  the  gloomy  cockpit  for  the  gay 
saloon,  the  ship's  allowance  for  sumptuous  fare,  the 
tyranny  of  his  messmates  and  the  harshness  of  his 
superiors  for  adulation  and  respect.  Was  he  happier  ? 
No.  In  this  world,  whether  in  boyhood  or  riper  years, 
the  happiest  state  of  existence  is  when  under  control. 
Although  contrary  to  received  opinion,  this  is  a  fact ; 
but  I  cannot  now  stop  to  demonstrate  the  truth  of  the 
assertion. 

Life  may  be  compared  to  a  gamut  of  music  :  there  are 
seven  notes  from  our  birth  to  our  marriage;  and  thus 
may  we  run  up  the  first  octave  —  milk,  sugar-plums, 
apples,  cricket,  cravat,  gun,  horse ;  then  comes  the  wife, 
a  da  capo  to  a  new  existence,  which  is  to  continue  until 
the  whole  diapason  is  gone  through.  Lord  Aveleyn  ran 
up  his  scale  hke  others  before  him. 

**  Why  do  you  not  marry,  my  dear  Frank.'"'  said  the 
dowager  Lady  Aveleyn,  one  day,  when  a  thick  fog  de- 
barred her  son  of  his  usual  pastime. 

*'Why,  mother,  I  have  no  objection  to  marry;  and  I 
suppose  I  must,  one  of  these  days,  as  a  matter  of  duty  : 
but  I  really  am  very  difficult  to  please ;  and  if  I  were 
to  make  a  bad  choice,  you  know  a  wife  is  not  like  this 
gun,  which  will  go  c^when  I  please." 

"  But  still,  my  dear  Frank,  there  are  many  very  eligible 
matches  to  be  made  just  now." 


190  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  I  do  not  doubt  it,  madam  ;  but  pray  who  are  they  ?  " 

"  Why,  Miss  Riddlesworth " 

"  A  very  pretty  girl,  and  I  am  told  a  large  fortune. 
But  let  me  hear  the  others  first." 

"  Clara  Beauchamp,  well  connected,  and  a  very  sweet 
girl." 

"  Granted  also,  for  anything  I  know  to  the  contrary. 
Have  you  more  on  your  list  ?  " 

"  Certainly.  Emily  Riddlesdale ;  not  much  fortune, 
but  very  highly  connected  indeed.  Her  brother.  Lord 
Riddlesdale,  is  a  man  of  great  influence." 

"  Her  want  of  money  is  no  object,  my  dear  mother, 
and  the  influence  of  her  brother  no  inducement ;  I  covet 
neither.  I  grant  you  that  she  is  a  very  nice  girl.  Pro- 
ceed." 

"Why,  Frank,  one  would  think  that  you  were  a  sultan 
with  his  handkerchief.     There  is  Lady  Selina  Armstrong." 

"  Well,  she  is  a  very  fine  girl,  and  talks  well." 

**  There  is  Harriet  Butler,  who  has  just  come  out." 

"Isaw  her  at  the  last  ball  we  were  at — a  very  pretty 
creature." 

**  Lady  Jemima  Calthorpe." 

"  Not  very  good-looking,  but  clever  and  agreeable." 

"  There  is  Louisa  Manners,  who  is  very  much  admired." 

**  I  admire  her  very  much  myself.'^ 

"  Well,  Frank,  you  have  exhausted  my  catalogue. 
There  is  not  one  I  have  mentioned  who  is  not  unexcep- 
tionable, and  whom  I  would  gladly  embrace  as  a  daughter- 
in-law.  You  are  now  turned  of  forty,  my  dear  son,  and 
must  make  up  your  mind  to  have  heirs  to  the  title  and 
estates.  I  am,  however,  afraid  that  your  admiration  is  so 
general,  that  you  will  be  puzzled  in  your  choice." 

"  I  will  confess  to  you,  my  dearest  mother,  that  I  have 
many  years  thought  of  the  necessity  of  taking  to  myself 
a  wife,  but  have  never  yet  had  courage  to  decide.  I 
admit  that  if  all  the  young  women  you  have  mentioned 
were  what  they  appear  to  be,  a  man  need  not  long  hesitate 
in  his  choice  j  but  the  great  difficulty  is,  that  their  real 


The  Merchant  Service  191 

tempers  and  dispositions  are  not  to  be  ascertained  until  it 
is  too  late.  Allow  that  I  should  attempt  to  discover  the 
peculiar  disposition  of  every  one  of  them,  what  would  be 
the  consequence  ? — that  my  attentions  would  be  perceived. 
I  do  not  exactly  mean  to  accuse  them  of  deceit ;  but  a 
woman  is  naturally  flattered  by  perceiving  herself  an 
object  of  attraction ;  and  when  flattered,  is  pleased.  It 
is  not  likely,  therefore,  that  the  infirmities  of  her  temper 
(if  she  have  any)  should  be  discovered  by  a  man  whose 
presence  is  a  source  of  gratification.  If  artful,  she  will 
conceal  her  faults ;,  if  not  so,  there  will  be  no  occasion  to 
bring  them  to  light.  And  even  if,  after  a  long  courtship, 
something  wrong  should  be  discovered,  either  you  have 
proceeded  too  far  in  honour  ta  retract,  or  are  so  bUnded 
by  your  own  feelings  as  to  extenuate  it.  Now,  it  is  only 
the  parents  and  near  relations  of  a  young  woman  who  can 
be  witnesses  to  her  real  character,  unless  it  be,  indeed, 
her  own  maid,  whom  one  could  not  condescend  to  in- 
terrogate." 

*'That  is  all  very  true,  Frank  j  but  recollect  the  same 
observations  apply  to  your  sex  as  well  as  ours.  Lovers 
and  husbands  are  very  different  beings.  It  is  quite  a 
lottery  on  both  sides." 

**I  agree  with  you,  my  dear  mother;,  and,  as  marry  I 
must,  so  shall  it  be  a  lottery  with  me — I  will  leave  it  to 
chance,  and  not  to  myself:  then,  if  I  am  unfortunate,  I 
will  blame  my  stars,  and  not  have  to  accuse  myself  of  a 
want  of  proper  discrimination."  Lord  Aveleyn  took  up 
a  sheet  of  paper,  and,  dividing  it  into  small  slips,  wrote 
upon  them  the  names  of  the  difFereut  young  ladies  pro- 
posed by  his  mother.  Folding  them  up,  he  threw  them 
on  the  table  before  her,  and  requested  that  she  would 
select  any  one  of  the  papers. 

The  dowager  took  up  one. 

"  I  thank  you,  madam,"  said  Lord  Aveleyn,  taking  the 
paper  from  her  hand,  and  opening  it — "  *  Louisa  Manners.' 
"Well,  then,  Louisa  Manners  it  shall  be  ;  always  provided 
that    she    does    not   refuse   me.      I    will   make   my    first 


192  Newton  Forster;  or, 

advances  this  very  afternoon — that  is,  if  it  does  not  clear 
up,  and  I  can  take  out  the  pointers." 

*'  You  surely  are  joking,  Frank  ?  " 

"  Never  was  more  serious.  I  have  my  mother's  re- 
commendation, backed  by  fate.  Marry  I  must,  but  choose 
I  will  not.  I  feel  myself  desperately  in  love  with  the  fair 
Louisa  already.  I  will  report  my  progress  to  you,  my 
dear  madam,  in  less  than  a  fortnight." 

Lord  Aveleyn  adhered  to  his  singular  resolution,  courted, 
and  was  accepted.  He  never  had  reason  to  repent  his 
choice  ;  who  proved  to  be  as  amiable  as  her  countenance 
would  have  indicated.  The  fruits  of  his  marriage  was 
one  son,  who  was  watched  over  with  mingled  pride  and 
anxiety,  and  who  had  now  arrived  at  the  age  of  fifteen 
years. 

Such  was  the  history  of  Lord  Avelyn,  who  continued  to 
extend  his  friendship  to  Edward  Forster,  and,  if  he  had 
required  it,  would  gladly  have  proffered  his  assistance,  in 
return  for  the  kindness  which  Forster  had  shown  towards 
him  when  he  was  a  midshipman.  The  circumstances 
connected  with  the  history  of  the  little  Amber  were  known 
to  Lord  Aveleyn  and  his  lady  ;  and  the  wish  of  Forster, 
that  his  little  charge  should  derive  the  advantage  of  mixing 
in  good  female  society,  was  gladly  acceded  to,  both  on  his 
account  and  on  her  own.  Amber  would  often  remain  for 
days  at  the  mansion,  and  was  a  general  favourite,  as  well 
as  an  object  of  sympathy. 

But  the  growth  of  their  son,  too  rapid  for  his  years,  and 
which  brought  with  it  symptoms  of  pulmonary  disease, 
alarmed  Lord  and  Lady  Aveleyn  ;  and,  by  the  advice  of 
the  physicians,  they  broke  up  their  establishment,  and 
hastened  with  him  to  Madeira,  to  re-establish  his  health. 
Their  departure  was  deeply  felt  both  by  Forster  and  his 
charge  j  and  before  they  could  recover  from  the  loss, 
another  severe  trial  awaited  them  in  the  death  of  Mrs 
Beazely,  who,  full  of  years  and  rheumatism,  was  gathered 
to  her  fathers.  Forster,  habituated  as  he  was  to  the  old 
lady,  felt  her  loss   severely  :   he  was   now  with  Amber, 


The  Merchant  Service 


93 


quite  alone  ;  and  it  so  happened  that  in  the  following 
winter  his  wound  broke  out,  and  confined  him  to  his  bed 
until  the  spring. 

As  he  lay  in  a  precarious  state,  the  thought  naturally- 
occurred  to  him,  "What  will  become  of  this  poor  child  if 
I  am  called  away  ?  There  is  not  the  slightest  provision  for 
her  :  she  has  no  friends,  and  I  have  not  even  made  it  known 
to  any  of  my  own  that  there  is  such  a  person  in  existence." 
Edward  Forster  thought  of  his  brother,  the  lawyer,  whom 
he  knew  still  to  be  flourishing,  although  he  had  never 
corresponded  with  him ;  and  resolved  that,  as  soon  as  he 
was  able  to  undertake  the  journey,  he  would  go  to  town, 
and  secure  his  interest  for  the  little  Amber,  in  case  of  any 
accident  happening  to  himself. 

The  spring  and  summer  passed  away  before  he  found 
himself  strong  enough  to  undertake  the  journey.  It  was 
late  in  the  autumn  that  Edward  Forster  and  Amber  took 
their  places  in  a  heavy  coach  for  the  metropolis,  and 
arrived  without  accident  on  the  day  or  two  subsequent  to 
that  on  which  Nicholas  and  Newton  had  entered  it  on 
foot. 

Chapter  XXVIII 

"Through  coaches,  drays,  choked  turnpikes,  and  a  whirl 
Of  wheels,  and  roar  of  voices,  and  confusion, 
Here  taverns  wooing  to  a  pint  of  '  purl,' 
There  mails  fast  Hying  off,  like  a  delusion. 

"  Through  this,  and  much,  and  more,  is  the  approach 
Of  travellers  to  mighty  Babylon  ; 
Whether  they  come  by  horse,  or  chair,  or  coach. 
With  slight  exceptions,  all  the  ways  seem  one." 

Byron. 

When  Newton  Forster  and  his  father  arrived  at  London, 
they  put  up  at  an  obscure  inn  in  the  Borough.  The  next 
day,  Newton  set  off  to  discover  the  residence  of  his  uncle. 
The  people  of  the  inn  had  recommended  him  to  apply  to 
some  stationer  or  bookseller,  who  would  allow  him  to  look 

F  N 


1 94  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

over  a  red-book  ;  and,  in  compliance  with  these  instruc- 
tions, Newton  stopped  at  a  shop  in  Fleet-street,  on  the 
doors  of  which  was  written  in  large  gilt  letters — "  Law 
Bookseller."  The  young  men  in  the  shop  were  very  civil 
and  obliging,  and,  without  referring  to  the  . "  Guide," 
immediately  told  him  the  residence  of  a  man  so  well 
known  as  his  uncle,  and  Newton  hastened  in  the  direction 
pointed  out. 

It  was  one  of  those  melancholy  days  in  which  London 
wears  the  appearance  of  a  huge  scavenger's  cart.  A  lurid 
fog  and  mizzling  rain,  which  had  been  incessant  for  the 
previous  twenty-four  hours ;  sloppy  pavements,  and  kennels 
down  which  the  muddy  torrents  hastened  to  precipitate 
themselves  into  the  sewers  below  ;  armies  of  umbrellas,  as 
far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  now  rising,  now  lowering,  to 
avoid  collision  ;  hackney-coaches  in  active  sloth,  their 
miserable  cattle  plodding  along  with  their  backs  arched 
and  heads  and  tails  drooping  like  barndoor  fowls  crouching 
under  the  cataract  of  a  gutter;  clacking  of  pattens  and 
pestering  of  sweepers  ;  not  a  smile  uponthe  countenance 
of  one  individual  of  the  multitude  which  passed  him ; — 
all  appeared  anxiety,  bustle,  and  selfishness.  Newton  was 
not  sorry  when  he  turned  down  the  narrow  court  which 
had  been  indicated  to  him,  and,  disengaged  from  the 
throng  of  men,  commenced  a  more  rapid  course.  In  two 
minutes  he  was  at  the  door  of  his  uncle's  chambers,  which, 
notwithstanding  the  inclemency  of  the  weather,  stood  wide 
open,  as  if  there  should  be  no  obstacle  in  a  man's  way,  or 
a  single  moment  for  reflection  allowed  him,  if  he  wished 
to  entangle  himself  in  the  expenses  and  difficulties  of  the 
law.  Newton  furled  his  weeping  umbrella  ;  and,  first 
looking  with  astonishment  at  the  mud  which  had  accumu- 
lated above  the  calves  of  his  legs,  raised  his  eyes  to  the 
jambs  on  each  side,  where  in  large  letters  he  read  at  the 
head  of  a  long  list  of  occupants,  "Mr  Forster,  Ground 
Floor."  A  door  with  Mr  Forster's  name  on  it,  within 
a  few  feet  of  him,  next  caught  his  eye.  He  knocked,  and 
was  admitted  by  the  clerk,  who  stated  that  his  master  was 


The  Merchant  Service  195 

at  a  consultation,  but  was  expected  back  in  half-an-hour,  if 
he  could  wait  so  long.  Newton  assented,  and  was  ushered 
into  the  parlour,  where  the  clerk  presented  the  newspaper 
of  the  day  to  amuse  him  until  the  arrival  of  his  uncle. 

As  soon  as  the  door  was  closed,  Newton's  curiosity  as 
to  the  character  of  his  uncle  induced  him  to  scrutinise  the 
apartment  and  its  contents.  In  the  centre  of  the  room, 
which  might  have  been  about  fourteen  feet  square,  stood 
a  table,  with  a  shadow  lamp  placed  before  the  only  part 
of  it  which  was  left  vacant  for  the  use  of  the  pen.  The 
remainder  of  the  space  was  loaded  with  parchment  upon 
parchment,  deed  upon  deed,  paper  upon  paper.  Some, 
especially  those  underneath,  had  become  dark  and  dis- 
coloured by  time ;  the  ink  had  changed  to  a  dull  red,  and 
the  imprint  of  many  a  thumb  inferred  how  many  years 
they  had  been  in  existence,  and  how  long  they  had  lain 
there  as  sad  mementos  of  the  law's  delay.  Others  were 
fresh  and  clean,  the  japanned  ink  in  strong  contrast  with 
the  glossy  parchment, — new  cases  of  litigation,  fresh  as 
the  hopes  of  those  who  had  been  persuaded  by  flattering 
assurances  to  enter  into  a  labyrinth  of  vexation,  from 
which,  perhaps,  not  to  be  extricated  until  these  documents 
should  assume  the  hue  of  the  others,  which  silently 
indicated  the  blighted  hopes  of  protracted  litigation. 
Two  massive  iron  chests  occupied  the  walls  on  each  side 
of  the  fireplace  ;  and  round  the  whole  area  of  the  room 
were  piled  one  upon  another  large  tin  boxes,  on  which, 
in  legible  Roman  characters,  were  written  the  names  of 
the  parties  whose  property  was  thus  immured.  There 
they  stood  like  so  many  sepulchres  of  happiness,  mauso- 
leums raised  over  departed  competence  ;  while  the  names 
of  the  parties  inscribed  appeared  as  so  many  registers  of 
the  folly  and  contention  of  man. 

But  from  all  this  Newton  could  draw  no  other  conclu- 
sion than  that  his  uncle  had  plenty  of  business.  The  fire 
in  the  grate  was  on  so  small  a  scale,  that,  although  he 
shivered  with  the  wet  and  cold,  Newton  was  afraid  to  stir 
it,  lest  it  should  go  out  altogether.     From  this  circumstance 


196  Newton  Forster;  or, 

he   drew  a  hasty   and   unsatisfactory  conclusion   that  his 
uncle  was  not  very  partial  to  spending  his  money. 

But  he  hardly  had  time  to  draw  these  inferences  and 
then  take  up  the  newspaper,  when  the  door  opened,  and 
another  party  was  ushered  into  the  room  by  the  clerk, 
who  informed  him,  as  he  handed  a  chair,  that  Mr  Forster 
would  return  in  a  few  minutes. 

The  personage  thus  introduced  was  a  short  young  man, 
with  a  round  face,  bushy  eyebrows,  and  dogged  counten- 
ance, implying  wilfulness  without  ill-nature.  As  soon  as 
he  entered,  he  proceeded  to  divest  his  t throat  of  a  large 
shawl,  which  he  hung  over  the  back  of  a  chair ;  then 
doffing  his  great  coat,  which  was  placed  in  a  similar 
position,  he  rubbed  his  hands,  and  walked  up  to  the 
fire,  into  which  he  insinuated  the  poker,  and  immediately 
destroyed  the  small  symptoms  of  combustion  which  re- 
mained, reducing  the  whole  to  one  chaos  of  smoke. 

"  Better  have  left  it  alone,  I  believe,"  observed  he, 
reinserting  the  poker,  and  again  stirring  up  the  black 
mass,  for  the  fire  was  now  virtually  defunct. 

*'  You're  not  cold,  I  hope,  sir?"  said  the  party,  turning 
to  Newton. 

"  No,  sir,  not  very,"  replied  Newton,  good  humouredly. 

"  I  thought  so ;  clients  never  are  :  nothing  like  law  for 
keeping  you  ivarm,  sir.  Always  bring  on  your  cause  in  the 
winter  months.  I  do,  if  I  can ;  for  it's  positive  suffocation 
in  the  dog-days  !  " 

"  I  really  never  was  at  laiv^''  replied  Newton,  laughing ; 
"  but  if  ever  I  have  the  misfortune,  I  shall  recollect  your 
advice." 

"  Never  was  at  law  !  I  was  going  to  say,  what  the 
devil  brings  you  here }  but  that  would  have  been  an 
impertinent  question.  Well,  sir,  do  you  know,  there 
was  a  time  at  which  I  never  knew  what  law  was,"  con- 
tinued the  young  man,  seating  himself  in  a  chair  opposite 
to  Newton.  "  It  was  many  years  ago,  when  I  was  a 
younger  brother,  and  had  no  property  :  no  one  took  the 
trouble  to  go  to  law  with  me  \  for  if  they  gained  their 


The  Merchant  Service  197 

cause,  there  were  no  effects.  Within  the  last  six  years 
I  have  inherited  considerable  property,  and  am  always  in 
hot  water.  I  heard  that  the  lawyers  say,  'causes  produce 
effects.'  I  am  sure  I  can  say  that  '  effects  have  produced 
causes !  ' " 

"  I  am  sorry  that  your  good  fortune  should  be  coupled 
with  such  a  drawback." 

"  Oh,  it's  nothing  !  It's  just  to  a  man  what  a  clog  is  to 
a  horse  in  a  field — you  know  pretty  well  where  to  find  him. 
I'm  so  used  to  it — indeed  so  much  so,  that  I  should  feel 
rather  uncomfortable  if  I  had  nothing  on  my  hands  :  just 
keeps  me  from  being  idle.  I've  been  into  every  court  in 
the  metropolis,  and  have  no  fault  to  find  with  one  of  them, 
except  the  Court  of  R ts." 

"  And  pray,  sir,  what  is  that  court,  and  the  objection  you 
have  to  it  ?  " 

"Why,    as    to    the    court,    it's    the    most    confounded 

ras ;  but    I    must    be    careful    how    I    speak    before 

strangers  :  you'll  excuse  me,  sir ;  not  that  I  suspect  you, 
but  I  know  what  may  be  considered  as  a  libel.  I  shall, 
therefore,  just  state  that  it  is  a  court  at  which  no  gentleman 
can  appear ;  and  if  he  does,  it's  of  no  use,  for  he'll  never 
get  a  verdict  in  his  favour." 

*'  What,  then  it  is  not  a  court  of  justice  ?  " 

"  Court  of  justice  !  no,  it's  a  court  for  the  recovery  of 
small  debts ;  but  I'll  just  tell  you,  sir,  exactly  what  took 
place  with  me  in  that  court,  and  then  you  will  be  able  to 
judge  for  yourself.  I  had  a  dog,  sir ;  it  was  just  after  I 
came  into  my  property ;  his  name  was  Csesar,  and  a  very 
good  dog  he  was.  Well,  sir,  riding  out  one  day  about 
four  miles  from  town,  a  rabbit  put  his  nose  out  of  a  cellar, 
where  they  retailed  potatoes.  Caesar  pounced  upon  him, 
and  the  rabbit  was  dead  in  a  moment.  The  man  who 
owned  the  rabbit  and  the  potatoes,  came  up  to  me  and 
asked  my  name,  which  I  told  him  ;  at  the  same  time  I 
expressed  my  sorrow  at  the  accident,  and  advised  him  in 
future  to  keep  his  rabbits  in  hutches.  He  said  he  would, 
and    demanded  three  shillings  and  sixpence  for  the   one 


198  Newton  Forster;  or, 

which  the  dog  had  killed.  Now,  although  he  was  welcome 
to  advice,  money  was  quite  another  thing ;  so  he  went  one 
way  muttering  something  about  law,  and  I  another,  with 
Caesar  at  my  heels,  taking  no  notice  of  his  threat.  Well, 
sir,  in  a  few  days  my  servant  came  up  to  say  that  somebody 
wished  to  see  me  upon  particular  business,  and  I  ordered 
him  to  be  shown  up.  It  was  a  blackguard-looking  fellow, 
who  put  a  piece  of  dirty  paper  in  my  hand ;  summoned  me 
to  appear  at  some  dog-hole  or  another,  I  forget  where. 
Not  understanding  the  business,  I  enclosed  it  to  a  legal 
friend,  who  returned  an  answer,  that  it  was  a  summons  to 

the  Court  of  R ts  ;  that  no  gentleman  could  go  there  ; 

and  that  I  had  better  let  the  thing  take  its  course.  I  had 
forgotten  all  about  it,  when,  in  a  few  days,  a  piece  of  paper 
was  brought  to  me,  by  which  I  found  that  the  court 
adjudged  me  to  pay  ^^i  2s.  6d.,  for  damages  and  costs.  I 
asked  who  brought  it,  and  was  told  it  was  the  son  of  the 
potato-merchant,  accompanied  by  a  tipstaff.  I  requested 
the  pleasure  of  their  company,  and  asked  the  legal  gentle- 
man what  it  was  for. 

"  '  Eighteen  shillings  for  ten  rabbits  destroyed  by  your 
dog,  and  4s.  6d.  for  costs  of  court.' 

"  '  Ten  rabbits  !  '  exclaimed  I ;  *  why,  he  only  killed  one.' 

"  *  Yes,  sir,'  squeaked  out  the  young  potato-merchant ; 
*  but  it  was  a  doe  rabbit  in  the  family  way  ;  we  counted 
nine  young  ones,  all  killed  too ! ' 

"  '  Shameful ! '  replied  I.  *  Pray,  sir,  did  your  father  tell 
the  court  that  the  rabbits  were  not  born  ? ' 

"  *  No,  sir;  father  only  said  there  was  one  doe  rabbit 
and  nine  little  ones  killed.  He  asked  4s.  6d.  for  the  old 
one,  but  only  is.  6d.  a-piece  for  the  young  ones.' 

"  *  You  should  have  been  there  yourself,  sir,'  observed 
the  tipstaff. 

"  '  I  wish  Caesar  had  left  the  rabbit  alone.  So  it  appears,' 
replied  I,  *  he  only  asked  3s.  6d.  at  first ;  but  by  this 
Cesarean  operation,  I  am  nineteen  shillings  out  of  pocket.' — 
Now,  sir,  what  do  you  think  of  that  ?  " 

"  I  think  that  you  should  exclaim  against  the  dishonesty 


The  Merchant  Service  199 

of  the  potato-merchant,  rather  than  the  judgment  of  the 
court.  Had  you  defended  your  own  cause,  you  might  have 
had  justice." 

**  I  don't  know  that.  A  man  makes  a  claim  against 
another,  and  takes  his  oath  to  it ;  you  must  then  either 
disprove  it,  or  pay  the  sum ;  your  own  oath  is  of  no  avail 
against  his.  I  called  upon  my  legal  friend,  and  told  him 
how  I  had  been  treated,  and  he  then  narrated  the  following 
circumstance,  which  will  explain  what  I  mean : — 

"  He  told  me  that  he  never  knew  of  but  one  instance  in 
which  a  respectable  person  had  gained  his  cause,  and  in 
which,  he  was  ashamed  to  say,  that  he  was  a  party  impli- 
cated. The  means  resorted  to  were  as  follows  : — A  Jew 
upholsterer  sent  in  a  bill  to  a  relation  of  his  for  a  chest  of 
drawers,  which  had  never  been  purchased  or  received. 
Refusing    to   pay,  he   was    summoned    to    the   Court    of 

R ts.     Not  knowing  how  to   act,  he   applied  to  my 

informant,  who,  being  under  some  obligations  to  his 
relative,  did  not  like  to  refuse. 

"  *  I  am  afraid  that  you  will  have  to  pay,'  said  the 
attorney  to  his  relation,  when  he  heard  the  story. 

**  *  But  I  never  had  them,  I  can  swear  to  it.' 

"  '  That's  of  no  consequence  ;  he  will  bring  men  to 
swear  to  the  delivery.  There  are  hundreds  about  the 
court  who  are  ready  to  take  any  oath,  at  half  a  crown 
a-head  ;  and  that  will  be  sufficient.  But,  to  oblige  you,  I 
will  see  what  I  can  do.' 

"  They  parted,  and,  in  a  day  or  two  my  legal  acquaint- 
ance called  upon  his  relation,  and  told  him  that  he  had 
gained  his  cause.  *  Rather  at  the  expense  of  my  conscience, 
I  must  acknowledge,'  continued  he  •,  *  but  one  must  fight 
these  scoundrels  with  their  own  weapons.' 

"  *  Well,  and  how  was  it  ? '  inquired  the  other. 

**  *  Why,  as  I  prophesied,  he  brought  three  men  forward, 
who  swore  to  the  delivery  of  the  goods.  Aware  that  this 
would  be  the  case,  I  had  provided  three  others,  who 
swore  to  their  having  been  witness  to  the  payment  of  the 
hill !  This  he  was  not  prepared  for  5  and  the  verdict  was 
given  in  your  favour.' " 


200  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Is  it  possible,"  exclaimed  Newton,  "  that  such  a  court 
of  Belial  can  exist  in  England  ?  " 

"  Even  so;  and  as  there  is  no  appeal,  pray  keep  out  of 
it.     For  my " 

But  here  the  conversation  was  interrupted  by  the 
entrance  of  Mr  John  Forster,  who  had  returned  from  his 
consultation. 

We  have  already  described  Mr  John  Forster's  character  ; 
we  have  now  only  to  introduce  his  person.  Mr  John 
Forster  was  about  the  middle  height,  rather  inclined  to 
corpulency,  but  with  great  show  of  muscular  strength. 
His  black  nether  garments  and  silk  stockings  fitted  a  leg 
which  might  have  been  envied  by  a  porter,  and  his  breadth 
of  shoulder  was  extreme.  He  had  a  slouch,  probably 
contracted  by  long  poring  over  the  desk ;  and  his  address 
was  as  abrupt  as  his  appearance  was  unpolished.  His 
forehead  was  large  and  bald,  eye  small  and  brilliant,  and 
his  cheeks  had  dropped  down  so  as  to  increase  the  v/idth 
of  his  lower  jaw.  Deep,  yet  not  harsh,  lines  were 
imprinted  on  the  whole  of  his  countenance,  which  indicated 
inflexibility  and  self-possession. 

"  Good  morning,  gentlemen,"  said  he,  as  he  entered  the 
room  j  "  I  hope  you  have  not  been  waiting  long.  May  I 
request  the  pleasure  of  knowing  who  came  first  ?  *  First 
come,  first  served,'  is  an  old  motto." 

"  I  believe  this  gentleman  came  first,"  replied  the  young 
man. 

"  Don't  you  knoiv,  sir  }     Is  it  only  a  believe  ?  " 

**I  did  arrive  first,  sir/'  said  Newton;  "but  as  I  am 
not  here  upon  legal  business,  I  had  rather  wait  until  this 
gentleman  has  spoken  to  you." 

"Not  upon  legal  business  —  humph!"  replied  Mr 
Forster,  eyeing  Newton.  "Well,  then,  if  that  is  the 
case,  do  me  the  favour  to  sit  down  in  the  office  until  I 
have  communicated  with  this  gentleman." 

Newton,  taking  up  his  hat,  walked  out  of  the  door, 
which  was  opened  by  Mr  Forster,  and  sat  down  in  the 
next  room  until  he  should  be  summoned.     Although  the 


The  Merchant  Service  201 

door  between  them  was  closed,  it  was  easy  to  hear  the 
sound  of  the  voices  within.  For  some  minutes  they  fell 
upon  Newton's  ears  ;  that  of  the  young  man  like  the  loud 
yelping  of  a  cur  ;  that  of  his  uncle  like  the  surly  growl  of 
some  ferocious  beast.     At  last  the  door  opened : 

"But,  sir,"  cried  the  young  man,  in  alto. 

"  Pay,  sir,  pay  \  I  tell  you,  pay  !  "  answered  the  lawyer, 
in  a  stentorian  voice. 

"  But  he  has  cheated  me,  sir  !  " 

"  Never  mind — pay  !  " 

"  Charged  twice  their  value,  sir  !  '* 

*'  I  tell  you,  pay  !  " 

"  But,  sir,  such  imposition  !  " 

'*I  have  told  you  twenty  times,  sir,  and  now  tell  you 
again — and  for  the  last  time — pay  !  " 

'*  Won't  you  take  up  my  cause,  sir,  then  ? " 

"  No,  sir  !  I  have  given  you  advice,  and  will  not  pick 
your  pocket ! — Good  morning,  sir  :  "  and  Mr  Forster,  who 
had  backed  his  client  out  of  the  room,  shut  the  door  in  his 
face,  to  prevent  further  discussion. 

The  young  man  looked  a  moment  at  the  door  after  it 
was  closed,  and  then  turned  round  to  Newton. 

"  If  yours  is  really  law  business,  take  my  advice,  don't 
stay  to  see  him  ;  I'll  take  you  to  a  man  who  is  a  lawyer. 
Here  you'll  get  no  law  at  all." 

"  Thankye,"  replied  Newton,  laughing ;  **  but  mine 
really  is  not  law  business." 

The  noise  of  the  handle  of  the  door  indicated  that  Mr 
Forster  was  about  to  re-open  it  to  summon  Newton ;  and 
the  young  man,  with  a  hasty  good  morning,  brushed  by 
Newton  and  hastened  into  the  street. 


202  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter   XXIX 

*» Hamlet. — Is  not  parchment  made  of  sheepskin? 
Horatio. — Ay,  my  lord,  and  of  calves'  skins  too, 
Hamlet. — They  are  sheep  and  calves  which 
Seek  out  their  assurance  in  that." 

Shakespeare. 

The  door  opened  as  intimated  at  the  end  of  our  last 
chapter,  and  Newton  obeyed  the  injunction  from  the 
lawyer's  eye  to  follow  him  into  the  room. 

"  Now,  sir,  your  pleasure  } "  said  Mr  Forster. 

"  I  must  introduce  myself,"  replied  Newton :  "  I  am 
your  nephew,  Newton  Forster." 

"  Humph !  where's  your  documents  in  proof  of  your 
assertion  ?  " 

"  I  did  not  consider  that  anything  further  than  my 
word  was  necessary.  I  am  the  son  of  your  brother, 
Nicholas  Forster,  who  resided  many  years  at  Overton." 

"  I  never  heard  of  Overton  :  Nicholas  I  recollect  to  have 
been  the  name  of  my  third  brother  j  but  it  is  upwards  of 
thirty  years  since  I  have  seen  or  heard  of  him.  I  did  not 
know  whether  he  was  alive  or  dead.  Well,  for  the  sake 
of  argument,  we'll  allow  that  you  are  my  nephew  j — what 
then  .?  " 

Newton  coloured  up  at  this  peculiar  reception.  "  What 
then,  uncle  ? — why  I  did  hope  that  you  would  have  been 
glad  to  have  seen  me  *,  but  as  you  appear  to  be  otherwise, 
I  will  wish  you  good  morning ; " — and  Newton  moved 
towards  the  door. 

"  Stop,  young  man  ;  I  presume  that  you  did  not  come 
for  nothing  !  Before  you  go,  tell  me  what  you  came 
for." 

"  To  tell  you  the  truth,"  replied  Newton  with  emotion, 
"  it  was  to  ask  your  assistance,  and  your  advice  ;  but " 

"  But  jumping  up  in  a  huff  is  not  the  way  to  obtain 
either.  Sit  down  on  that  chair,  and  tell  me  what  you 
came  for." 


The  Merchant  Service  203 

"To  request  you  would  interest  yourself  in  behalf  of 
my  father  and  myself;  we  are  both  out  of  employ,  and 
require  your  assistance." 

"  Or  probably  I  never  should  have  seen  you  ! " 

"  Most  probably  :  we  knew  that  you  were  in  good  cir- 
cumstances, and  thriving  in  the  world  ;  and  as  long  as  we 
could  support  ourselves  honestly,  should  not  have  thrust 
ourselves  upon  you.  All  we  wish  now  is  that  you  will, 
by  your  interest  and  recommendation,  put  us  in  the  way  of 
being  again  independent  by  our  own  exertions  ;  which  we 
did  not  consider  too  much  to  ask  from  a  brother  and  an 
uncle." 

"  Humph  ! — so  first  you  keep  aloof  from  me  because  you 
knew  that  I  was  able  to  assist  you,  and  now  you  come  to 
me  for  the  same  reason  !  " 

"  Had  we  received  the  least  intimation  from  you  that 
our  presence  would  have  been  welcome,  you  would  have 
seen  us  before." 

"Perhaps  so;  but  I  did  not  know  whether  I  had  any 
relations  alive." 

*'  Had  I  been  in  your  circumstances,  uncle,  I  should  have 
inquired." 

"  Humph  ! — Well,  young  man,  as  I  find  that  I  have 
relations,  I  should  like  to  hear  a  little  about  them  ; — so 
now  tell  me  all  about  your  father  and  yourself." 

Newton  entered  into  a  detail  of  the  circumstances,  with 
which  the  reader  is  already  acquainted.  When  he  had 
finished,  his  uncle,  who  had  listened  with  profound  atten- 
tion, his  eye  fixed  upon  that  of  Newton,  as  if  to  read  his 
inmost  thoughts,  said,  "  It  appears,  then,  that  your  father 
wishes  to  prosecute  his  business  as  optician.  I  am  afraid 
that  I  cannot  help  him.  I  wear  spectacles  certainly  when 
I  read ;  but  this  pair  has  lasted  me  eleven  years,  and  pro- 
bably will  as  many  more.  You  wish  me  to  procure  you  a 
situation  in  an  East  Indiaman  as  third  or  fourth  mate.  I 
know  nothing  about  the  sea ;  I  never  saw  it  in  my  life  ; 
nor  am  I  aware  that  I  have  a  sailor  in  my  acquaintance." 

"Then,  uncle,  I  will  take  my  leave." 


204  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Not  so  fast,  young  man ;  you  said  that  you  wanted 
my  assistance  and  my  advice.  My  assistance  I  cannot 
promise  you  for  the  reasons  I  have  stated  5  but  my  advice 
is  at  your  service.     Is  it  a  legal  point  ? " 

"  Not  exactly,  sir,"  replied  Newton,  who  was  mortified 
almost  to  tears  ;  "  still  I  must  acknowledge  that  I  now 
more  than  ever  wish  that  the  articles  were  in  safe  keeping, 
and  out  of  my  hands."  Newton  then  entered  into  a  detail 
of  the  trunk  being  picked  up  at  sea ;  and  stated  his  having 
brought  with  him  the  most  valuable  of  the  property,  that 
it  might  be  deposited  in  safe  hands. 

*'  Humph  !  "  observed  his  uncle,  when  he  had  finished. 
**  You  say  that  the  articles  are  of  value." 

"  Those  who  are  judges  consider  the  diamonds  and  the 
other  articles  to  be  worth  nearly  one  hundred  pounds ; 
I  cannot  pretend  to  say  what  their  real  value  is." 

**  And  you  have  had  these  things  in  your  possession 
these  seven  years  ? " 

*'I  have,  sir." 

"Did  it  never  occur  to  you,  since  you  have  been  in 
distress,  that  the  sale  of  these  articles  would  have  assisted 
you?" 

"  It  often  has  occurred  to  me,  when  I  have  found  that 
the  little  I  could  earn  was  not  sufficient  for  my  father's 
support ;  but  we  had  already  decided  that  the  property 
was  not  legally  mine,  and  I  dismissed  the  idea  as  soon  as 
I  could  from  my  thoughts.  Since  then  I  have  ascertained 
to  whom  the  property  belongs,  and  of  course  it  has 
become  more  sacred." 

"  You  said  a  minute  ago  that  you  now  more  than  ever 
wished  the  property  in  safe  keeping.     Why  so  ? " 

*'  Because,  disappointed  in  the  hopes  I  had  entertained 
of  receiving  your  assistance,  I  foresaw  that  we  should  have 
more  difficulties  than  ever  to  struggle  against,  and  wished 
not  to  be  in  the  way  of  temptation." 

**  You  were  right.  Well,  then,  bring  me  those  articles 
to-morrow,  by  one  o'clock  precisely ;  I  will  take  charge 
of  them,  and  give  you  a  receipt.     Good  morning,  nephew ; 


The  Merchant  Service  205 

very  happy  to  have  had  the  pleasure  of  making  your 
acquaintance.  Remember  me  kindly  to  my  brother,  and 
tell  him  I  shall  be  happy  to  see  him  at  one,  precisely." 

"  Good  morning,  sir,"  replied  Newton,  with  a  faltering 
voice,  as  he  hurried  away  to  conceal  the  disappointment 
and  indignation  which  he  felt  at  this  cool  reception  and 
dismissal. 

"  Not  legally  mine — humph  !  I  like  that  boy,"  muttered 
the  old  lawyer  to  himself  when  Newton  had  disappeared. 
— "Scratton!" 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  the  clerk,  opening  the  door. 

**Fill  up  a  cheque  for  five  hundred  pounds,  self  or 
bearer,  and  bring  it  to  me  to  sign." 

*'  Yes,  sir." 

**Is  it  this  evening  or  to-morrow,  that  I  attend  the 
arbitration  meeting  ? " 

*'  This  evening,  seven  o'clock." 

"  What  is  the  name  of  the  party  by  whom  I  am  em- 
ployed ? " 

**  Bosanquet,  sir." 

"  East  India  director,  is  he  not  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Humph  ! — that  will  do." 

The  clerk  brought  in  the  draft,  which  was  put  into  his 
pocket-book  without  being  signed ;  his  coat  was  then 
buttoned  up,  and  Mr  John  Forster  repaired  to  the  chop- 
house,  at  which  for  twenty-five  years  he  had  seldom  failed 
to  make  his  appearance  at  the  hour  of  three  or  four  at  the 
latest. 

It  was  with  a  heavy  heart  that  Newton  returned  to  the 
inn  in  the  Borough,  at  which  he  had  left  his  father,  whom 
he  found  looking  out  of  window,  precisely  in  the  same 
seat  and  position  where  he  had  left  him. 

"  Well,  Newton,  my  boy,  did  you  see  my  brother  ? " 

*'  Yes,  sir  ;  but  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  have  little  hope 
of  his  being  of  service  to  us." 

Newton  then  entered  into  a  narration  of  what  had 
passed. 


2o6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Why  really,  Newton,"  said  his  father,  in  his  single- 
heartedness,  "  I  do  not  see  such  cause  of  despair.  If  he 
did  doubt  your  being  his  nephew,  how  could  he  tell  that 
you  were  ?  and  if  he  had  no  interest  with  naval  people, 
why  it's  not  his  fault.  As  for  my  expecting  him  to  break 
his  spectacles  on  purpose  to  buy  new  ones  of  me,  that's 
too  much,  and  it  would  be  foolish  on  his  part.  He  said 
that  he  was  very  happy  to  have  made  your  acquaintance, 
and  that  he  should  be  glad  to  see  me.  I  really  don't  know 
what  more  you  could  expect.  I  will  call  upon  him  to- 
morrow, since  he  wishes  it.  At  five  o'clock  precisely, 
don't  you  say  ?  " 

**  No,  sir,  at  one." 

"  Well,  then,  at  one ;  those  who  have  nothing  to  do 
must  suit  their  hours  to  those  who  are  full  of  business. 
Recollect  now,  two  o'clock  precisely." 

"  One  o'clock,  sir." 

"  Ay,  very  true,  one  o'clock  I  meant ;  now  let's  go  to 
dinner." 

Nicholas  Forster  appeared  in  excellent  spirits :  and 
Newton,  who  did  not  like  to  undeceive  him,  was  glad  to 
retire  at  an  early  hour,  that  he  might  be  left  to  his  own 
reflections,  and  form  some  plan  as  to  their  proceedings  in 
consequence  of  this  unexpected  disappointment. 


Chapter  XXX 

"  Now,  by  two-headed  Janus, 
Nature  hath  framed  strange  fellows  in  her  time ; 
Some  that  will  ever  more  peep  through  their  eyes, 
And  laugh  like  parrots  at  a  bagpiper ; 
And  others  of  such  vinegar  aspect, 
That  they'll  not  show  their  teeth  in  way  of  smile, 
Though  Nestor  swear  the  jest  be  laughable." 

Shakespeare. 

The  next  forenoon  Nicholas  and  his  son  left  the  inn  in 
good  time  to  keep  their  appointment.     The  weather  had 


The  Merchant  SeiTlce  207 

changed,  and  the  streets  through  which  they  passed  v/ere 
crowded  with  people  who  had  taken  advantage  of  the  fine 
weather  to  prosecute  business  which  had  admitted  of  being 
postponed.  Nicholas,  who  stared  every  way  except  the 
right,  received  many  shoves  and  pushes,  at  which  he 
expostulated,  without  the  parties  taking  even  the  trouble 
to  look  behind  them  as  they  continued  their  course.  This 
conduct  produced  a  fit  of  reverie,  out  of  which  he  was 
soon  roused  by  another  blow  on  the  shoulder,  which  would 
twist  him  half  round  ^  and  thus  he  continued  in  an  alter- 
nate state  of  reverie  and  excitement,  until  he  was  dragged 
by  Newton  to  his  brother's  chambers.  The  clerk,  who 
had  been  ordered  to  admit  them,  opened  the  parlour  door, 
where  they  found  Mr  John  Forster,  sitting  at  his  table, 
with  his  spectacles  on,  running  through  a  brief. 

"  Your  servant,  young  man. — Nicholas  Forster,  I  pre- 
sume," said  he,  taking  his  eyes  off  the  brief,  and  looking 
at  Forster  without  rising  from  his  chair.  **  How  do  you 
do,  brother  ? " 

"  Are  you  my  brother  John  ?  "  interrogated  Nicholas. 

**  I  am  John  Forster,"  replied  the  lawyer. 

"Well,  then,  I  am  really  very  glad  to  see  you,  brother," 
said  Nicholas,  extending  his  hand,  which  was  taken  with  a 
"  humph  !  " — (A  minute's  pause.) 

**  Young  man,  you're  ten  minutes  past  your  time,'*  said 
John,  turning  to  Newton.     "  I  told  you  one  (^ clock  precisely T 

"I  am  afraid  so,"  replied  Newton;  "but  the  streets 
were  crowded,  and  my  father  stopped  several  times." 

"  Why  did  he  stop  ?  " 

"  To  expostulate  with  those  who  elbowed  him :  he  is 
not  used  to  it." 

"  He    soon    will    be   if  he    stays    here   long.     Brother 
Nicholas,"  said    Forster,  turning    round ;    but  perceiving 
that  Nicholas  had  taken  up  his  watch,  and  was  examining  . 
the  interior,  his  intended  remark  was  changed.     "  Brother 
Nicholas,  what  are  you  doing  with  my  watch  ?  " 

"  It's  very  dirty,"  replied  Nicholas,  continuing  his 
examination  J  "it  must  be  taken  to  pieces." 


2o8  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Indeed  it  shall  not,"  replied  John. 

"  Don't  be  alarmed,  I'll  do  it  myself,  and  charge  you 
nothing." 

"  Indeed  you  will  not  do  it  yourself,  brother.  My 
watch  goes  very  well  when  it's  left  alone.  Do  me  the 
favour  to  hand  it  to  me." 

Nicholas  shut  up  the  watch,  and  handed  it  to  his  brother 
over  the  table.  "  It  ought  not  to  go  well  in  that  state, 
brother." 

"But  I  tell  you  that  it  does,  brother,"  replied  John, 
putting  the  watch  into  his  fob. 

"  I  have  brought  the  things  that  I  mentioned,  sir,"  said 
Newton,  taking  them  out  of  his  handkerchief. 

"  Very  well ;  have  you  the  inventory  ? " 

"  Yes,  sir,  here  it  is." 

**No.  I,  a  diamond  ring." 

«  No.  2 " 

"  I  should  rather  think  that  they  were  No.  3,"  observed 
Nicholas,  who  had  taken  up  his  brother's  spectacles. 
"  You're  not  very  short-sighted,  brother." 

"  I  am  not,  brother  Nicholas  ; — will  you  oblige  me  by 
giving  me  my  spectacles  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I'll  wipe  them  for  you  first,"  said  Nicholas,  com- 
mencing his  polish  with  an  old  cotton  handkerchief. 

"  Thanky,  thanky,  brother,  that  will  do,"  replied  John, 
holding  out  his  hand  for  the  spectacles,  which  he  immediately 
put  in  the  case  and  conveyed  into  his  pocket.  The  lawyer 
then  continued  the  inventory. 

"  It  is  all  right,  young  man ;  I  will  sign  a  receipt." 

The  receipt  was  signed,  and  the  articles  deposited  in  the 
iron  chest. 

"  Now,  brother  Nicholas,  I  have  no  time  to  spare  ;  have 
you  anything  to  say  to  me  ?  " 

**  No,"  replied  Nicholas,  starting  up. 

"  Well,  then,  I  have  something  to  say  to  you.  In  the 
first  place,  I  cannot  help  you  in  your  profession  (as  I  told 
my  nephew  yesterday),  neither  can  I  afford  you  any  time, 
which  is  precious :  so  good-bye,  brother.     Here  is  some- 


The  Merchant  Service  209 

thing  for  you  to  read  when  you  go  home."  John  Forster 
took  out  his  pocket-book,  and  gave  him  a  sealed  letter. 

"  Nephew,  although  I  never  saw  the  sea,  or  knew  a 
sailor  in  my  life,  yet  the  law  pervades  everywhere.  An 
East  India  director,  who  is  under  obligations  to  me,  has 
promised  a  situation  for  you  as  third  mate  on  board  of  the 
Bo7nbay  Castle.  Here  is  his  address  :  call  upon  him,  and  all 
will  be  arranged.  You  may  come  here  again  before  you 
sail ;  and  I  expect  you  will  make  proper  arrangements  for 
your  father,  who,  if  I  can  judge  from  what  I  have  already 
seen,  will  lose  that  paper  I  have  given  him,  which  contains 
what  is  not  to  be  picked  up  every  day."  Nicholas  was  in 
a  deep  reverie  ;  the  letter  had  dropped  from  his  hand,  and 
had  fallen,  unnoticed  by  him,  on  the  carpet.  Newton 
picked  it  up,  and,  without  Nicholas  observing  him,  put  it 
into  his  own  pocket.  "  Now,  good-bye,  nephew  \  take  away 
my  brother,  pray.  It's  a  good  thing,  I  can  tell  you,  some- 
times to  find  out  an  uncle." 

"  I  trust  my  conduct  will  prove  me  deserving  of  your 
kindness,"  replied  Newton,  who  was  overjoyed  at  the 
unexpected  issue  of  the  meeting. 

**  I  hope  it  will,  young  man.  Good  morning.  Now, 
take  away  your  father,  I'm  busy  ; "  and  old  Forster  pulled 
out  his  spectacles,  and  recommenced  his  brief. 

Newton  went  up  to  his  father,  touched  him  on  the 
shoulder,  and  said  in  a  low  tone,  and  nodding  his  head  to- 
wards the  door — *'  Come,  father." 

Nicholas  got  upon  his  legs,  retreated  a  few  steps,  then 
turned  round — "  Brother,  didn't  you  say  something  about 
a  letter  I  was  to  put  in  the  post  ?  " 

*'No,  I  didn't,"  replied  John,  shortly,  not  raising  his 
eyes  from  the  brief. 

"  Well,  I  really  thought  I  heard  something " 

**  Come,  father  ;  my  uncle's  busy." 

"  Well,  then,  good-bye,  brother." 

"  Good-bye,"  replied  John,  without  looking  up  j  and 
Newton  with  his  father,  quitted  the  room. 

No   conversation   passed   during   the  walk  to  the  inn, 

F  O 


210  Newton  Forster;  or, 

except  an  accidental  remark  of  Nicholas,  that  it  appeared 
to  him  that  his  brother  was  very  busy. 

When  they  arrived  Newton  hastened  to  open  the  en- 
closure, and  found  in  it  the  draft  for  ;^5oo,  which  his  uncle 
had  ordered  to  be  filled  up  the  day  before.  Nicholas  was 
lost  in  astonishment ;  and  Newton,  although  he  had  already 
gained  some  insight  into  his  uncle's  character,  was  not  a 
little  surprised  at  his  extreme  liberality. 

**  Now,"  cried  Nicholas, rubbing  his  hands,  "my  improve- 
ment upon  the  duplex  ; "  and  the  subject  brought  up  by 
himself  again  led  him  away,  and  he  was  in  deep  thought. 

There  was  one  little  piece  of  advice  upon  the  envelope 
— "When  you  cash  the  draft  take  the  number  of  your 
notes."  This  was  all ;  and  it  was  carefully  attended  to  by 
Newton,  who  took  but  ;r20,  and  left  the  remainder  in  the 
hands  of  the  banker.  The  next  day  Newton  called  on  te 
East  India  director,  who  gave  him  a  letter  to  the  captain 
of  the  ship,  lying  at  Gravesend,  and  expecting  to  sail  in  a 
few  days.  To  Gravesend  he  immediately  repaired,  and, 
presenting  his  credentials,  was  favourably  received,  with  an 
intimation  that  his  company  was  required  as  soon  as  con- 
venient. Newton  had  now  no  other  object  to  occupy  him 
than  to  secure  an  asylum  for  his  father ;  and  this  he  was 
fortunate  enough  to  meet  with  when  he  little  expected. 
He  had  disembarked  at  Greenwich,  intending  to  return  to 
London  by  the  coach,  when,  having  an  hour  to  spare,  he 
sauntered  into  the  hospital,  to  view  a  building  which  had 
so  much  of  interest  to  a  sailor.  After  a  few  minutes'  survey 
he  sat  down  on  a  bench,  occupied  by  several  pensioners, 
outside  of  the  gate,  wishing  to  enter  into  conversation  with 
them  relative  to  their  condition,  when  one  addressed 
another — "Why,  Stephen,  since  the  old  man's  dead, 
there's  no  one  that'll  suit  us  ;  and  I  expects  that  we  must 
contrive  to  do  without  blinkers  at  all.  Jim  Nelson  told  me 
the  other  day  that  that  fellow  in  town  as  has  his  shop  full 
of  polished  brass,  all  the  world  like  the  quarter-deck  of  the 
Le  Amphttritey  when  that  sucking  Honourable  (what  was 
his  name?)  commanded  her— Jim  said  to  me,  as  how  he 


The  Merchant  Service  211 

charged  him  one-and-sixpence  for  a  new  piece  of  flint  for 
his  starboard  eye.  Now  you  know  that  old  Wilkins  never 
axed  no  more  than  threepence.  Now,  how  we're  to  pay 
at  that  rate  comes  to  more  than  my  knowledge.  Jim  hadn't 
the  dirt,  although  he  had  brought  his  threepence  ;  so  his 
blinkers  are  left  there  in  limbo." 

"  We  must  find  out  another  man  ;  the  shop's  to  let,  and 
all  handy.     Suppose  we  speak  to  the  governor  ?  " 

"  No  use  to  speak  to  the  governor ;  he  don't  use 
blinkers  ;  and  so  won't  have  no  fellow-feeling." 

Newton  entered  into  conversation,  and  found  that  an 
old  man,  who  gained  his  livelihood  in  a  small  shop  close 
to  the  gate,  by  repairing  the  spectacles  of  the  pensioners, 
had  lately  died,  and  that  his  loss  was  severely  felt  by 
them,  as  the  opticians  in  town  did  not  work  at  so  reason- 
able a  rate.  Newton  looked  at  the  shop,  which  was 
small  and  comfortable,  commanding  a  pleasant  view  of 
the  river  ;  and  he  was  immediately  convinced  that  it 
would  suit  his  father.  On  his  return  he  proposed  it  to 
Nicholas,  who  was  delighted  at  the  idea  ;  and  the  next 
day  they  viewed  the  premises  together,  and  took  a  short 
lease.  In  a  few  days  Nicholas  was  settled  in  his  new 
habitation,  and  busily  employed  in  enabling  the  old 
pensioners  to  read  the  newspapers  and  count  their  points 
at  cribbage.  He  liked  his  customers,  and  they  liked  him. 
His  gains  were  equal  to  his  wants ;  and,  unless  on 
particular  occasions — such  as  a  new  coat,  which,  like 
his  birthday,  occurred  but  once  in  the  year — he  never 
appHed  to  the  banker's  for  assistance.  Newton,  as  soon 
as  his  father  was  settled,  and  his  own  affairs  arranged, 
called  upon  his  uncle  previous  to  his  embarkation.  Old 
Forster  gave  a  satisfactory  *'  Humph !  "  to  his  communi- 
cation ;  and  Newton,  who  had  tact  enough  to  make  his 
visit  short,  received  a  cordial  shake  of  the  hand  when  he 
quitted  the  room. 


212  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter  XXXI 

"  Poor,  short-lived  things  !  what  plans  we  lay  ! 
Ah  !  why  forsake  our  native  home, 
To  distant  climates  speed  away, 
For  self  sticks  close,  where'er  we  roam. 

"  Care  follows  hard,  and  soon  o'ertakes 

The  well-rigg'd  ship  ;  the  warlike  steed 
Her  destin'd  quarry  ne'er  forsakes: 

Nor  the  wind  flees  with  half  the  speed." 


COWPER. 


Newton,  who  had  made  every  preparation,  as  soon  as  he 
had  taken  leave  of  his  uncle,  hastened  to  join  his  ship, 
which  still  remained  at  Gravesend,  waiting  for  the 
despatches  to  be  closed  by  the  twenty-four  leaden  heads 
presiding  at  Leadenhall  Street.  The  passengers,  with  the 
excepton  of  two,  a  Scotch  Presbyterian  divine  and  his 
wife,  were  still  on  shore,  divided  amongst  the  inns  of 
the  town,  unwilling  until  the  last  moment  to  quit  terra 
jirma  for  so  many  months  of  sky  and  water,  daily  receiving 
a  visit  from  the  captain  of  the  ship,  who  paid  his  respects 
to  them  all  round,  imparting  any  little  intelligence  he 
might  have  received  as  to  the  probable  time  of  his 
departure. 

When  Newton  arrived  on  board,  he  was  received  by 
the  first  mate,  a  rough,  good-humoured,  and  intelligent 
man,  about  forty  years  of  age,  to  whom  he  had  already 
been  introduced  by  the  captain  on  his  previous  appearance 
with  the  letter  from  the  director. 

"  Well,  Mr  Forster,  you're  in  very  good  time.  As  in 
all  probability  we  shall  be  shipmates  for  a  voyage  or 
two,  I  trust  that  we  shall  be  good  friends.  Now  for 
your  traps : "  then,  turning  round,  he  addressed,  in  the 
Hindostanee  language,  two  or  three  Lascars  (fine,  olive- 
coloured  men,  with  black  curling  bushy  hair),  who  im- 
mediately proceeded  to  hoist  in  the  luggage. 

The  first  mate,  with  an  "  excuse  me  a  moment,''  went 


The  Merchant  Service  213 

forward  to  give  some  directions  to  the  English  seamen, 
leaving  Forster  to  look  about  him.  What  he  observed, 
we  shall  describe  for  the  benefit  of  our  readers. 

The  Indiaman  was  a  twelve-hundred-ton  ship,  as  large 
as  one  of  the  small  class  seventy-four  in  the  king's  service, 
strongly  built,  with  lofty  bulwarks,  and  pierced  on  the 
upper  deck  for  eighteen  guns,  which  were  mounted  on 
the  quarter-deck  and  forecastle.  Abaft,  a  poop,  higher 
than  the  bulwarks,  extended  forward,  between  thirty  and 
forty  feet,  under  which  was  the  cuddy  or  dining-room, 
and  state-cabins,  appropriated  to  passengers.  The  poop, 
upon  which  you  ascended  by  ladders  on  each  side,  was 
crowded  with  long  ranges  of  coops,  tenanted  by  every 
variety  of  domestic  fowl,  awaiting,  in  happy  unconscious- 
ness, the  day  when  they^  should  be  required  to  supply 
the  luxurious  table  provided  by  the  captain.  In  some, 
turkeys  stretched  forth  their  long  necks,  and  tapped  the 
decks  as  they  picked  up  some  ant  who  crossed  it,  in  his 
industry.  In  others,  the  crowing  of  cocks  and  calling  of 
the  hens  were  incessant :  or  the  geese,  ranged  up  rank 
and  file,  waited  but  the  signal  from  one  of  the  party  to 
raise  up  a  simultaneous  clamour,  which  as  suddenly  was 
remitted.  Coop  answered  coop,  in  variety  of  discord, 
while  the  poulterer  walked  round  and  round  to  supply 
the  wants  of  so  many  hundreds  committed  to  his  charge. 

The  booms  before  the  main-mast  were  occupied  by  the 
large  boats,  which  had  been  hoisted  in  preparatory  to 
the  voyage.  They  also  composed  a  portion  of  the  farm- 
yard. The  launch  contained  about  fifty  sheep,  wedged 
together  so  close  that  it  was  with  difficulty  they  could 
find  room  to  twist  their  jaws  round,  as  they  chewed  the 
cud.  The  stern-sheets  of  the  barge  and  yawl  were  filled 
with  goats  and  two  calves,  who  were  the  first-destined 
victims  to  the  butcher's  knife ;  while  the  remainder  of 
their  space  was  occupied  by  hay  and  other  provender, 
pressed  down  by  powerful  machinery  into  the  smallest 
compass.  The  occasional  ba-aing  and  bleating  on  the 
booms  were  answered  by  the  lowing  of  three  milch-cows 


214  Newton  Forster;  or, 

between  the  hatchways  of  the  deck  below;  where  also 
were  to  be  descried  a  few  more  coops,  containing  fowls 
and  rabbits.  The  manger  forward  had  been  dedicated 
to  the  pigs  ;  but,  as  the  cables  were  not  yet  unbent  or 
bucklers  shipped,  they  at  present  were  confined  by  grat- 
ings between  the  main-deck  guns,  where  they  grunted 
at  each  passer-by,  as  if  to  ask  for  food. 

The  boats  hoisted  up  on  the  quarters,  and  the  guys 
of  the  davits,  to  which  they  were  suspended,  formed 
the  kitchen-gardens,  from  which  the  passengers  were  to 
be  supplied,  and  were  loaded  with  bags  containing  onions, 
potatoes,  turnips,  carrots,  beets,  and  cabbages,  the  latter, 
in  their  full  round  proportions,  hanging  in  a  row  upon 
the  guys,  like  strings  of  heads,  which  had  been  demanded 
in  the  wrath  or  the  caprice  of  some  despot  of  Mahomet's 
creed. 

Forster  descended  the  ladder  to  the  main-deck,  which 
he  found  equally  encumbered  with  cabins  for  the 
passengers,  trunks  and  bedding  belonging  to  them,  and 
many  other  articles  which  had  not  yet  found  their  way 
into  the  hold,  the  hatches  of  which  were  open,  and  in 
which  lanterns  in  every  direction  partially  dispelled  the 
gloom,  and  offered  to  his  view  a  confused  outline  of  bales 
and  packages.  Carpenters  sawing  deals,  sailmakers  roping 
the  foot  of  an  old  mainsail,  servants  passing  to  and  fro 
with    dishes,  Lascars  jabbering    in   their   own    language, 

British    seamen    d g   their    eyes,    as    usual,    in    plain 

EngHsh,  gave  an  idea  of  confusion  and  want  of  method 
to  Newton  Forster,  which,  in  a  short  time,  he  acknow- 
ledged himself  to  have  been  premature  in  having  con- 
ceived. Where  you  have  to  provide  for  such  a  number, 
to  separate  the  luggage  of  so  many  parties,  from  the 
heavy  chest  to  the  fragile  bandbox,  to  take  in  cargo,  and 
prepare  for  sea,  all  at  the  same  time,  there  must  be 
apparently  confusion.  In  a  few  days  everything  finds  its 
place ;  and,  what  is  of  more  consequence,  is  itself  to  be 
found  as  soon  as  it  may  be  required. 

According  to  the  regulations  on  board  of  East  India 


The  Merchant  Service  215 

ships,  Forster  messed  below  with  the  junior  mates,  mid- 
shipmen, surgeon's  assistant,  &c.  :  the  first  and  second 
mates  only  having  the  privilege  of  constantly  appearing  at 
the  captain's  table,  while  the  others  receive  but  an  occa- 
sional invitation.  Forster  soon  became  on  intimate  terms 
with  his  shipmates.  As  they  will,  however,  appear  upon 
the  stage  when  required  to  perform  their  parts,  we  shall 
at  present  confine  ourselves  to  a  description  of  the  captain 
and  the  passengers. 

Captain  Drawlock  was  a  man  of  about  fifty  years  of  age. 
Report  said  that  in  his  youth  he  had  been  wild ;  and  some 
of  his  contemporary  commanders  in  the  service  were  wont 
to  plague  him  by  narrating  divers  freaks  of  former  days, 
the  recollection  of  which  would  create  anything  but  a 
smile  upon  his  face.  Whether  report  and  the  other  cap- 
tains were  correct  or  not  in  their  assertions.  Captain  Draw- 
lock  was  in  appearance  quite  a  different  character  at  the 
time  we  introduce  him.  He  was  of  sedate  aspect,  seldom 
smiled,  and  appeared  to  be  wrapt  up  in  the  importance  of 
the  trust  confided  to  him,  particularly  with  respect  to  the 
young  women  who  were  sent  out  under  his  protection. 
He  talked  much  of  his  responsibility,  and  divided  the 
whole  of  his  time  between  his  chronometers  and  his  young 
ladies  ;  in  both  of  which  a  trifling  error  was  a  source  of 
irritation.  Upon  any  deviation  on  the  part  of  either,  the 
first  were  rated  carefully,  the  latter  were  rated  soundly  ; 
considering  the  safety  of  the  ship  to  be  endangered  on  the 
one  hand,  and  the  character  of  his  ship  to  be  equally  at 
stake  on  the  other.  It  v/as  maliciously  observed  that  the 
latter  were  by  far  the  more  erratic  of  the  two  ;  and,  still 
more  maliciously,  that  the  austere  behaviour  on  the  part 
of  Captain  Drawlock  was  all  pretence  ;  that  he  was  as 
susceptible  as  the  youngest  officer  in  the  ship ;  and  that 
the  women  found  it  out  long  before  the  voyage  was 
completed. 

It  has  been  previously  mentioned  that  all  the  passengers 
were  on  shore,  except  two,  a  Presbyterian  divine  and  his 
wife,  the  expenses  attending  whose  passage  out  were  pro- 


2i6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

vided  for  by  a  subscription  which  had  been  put  on  foot  by 
some  of  the  serious  people  of  Glasgow,  who  prayed  fer- 
vently, and  enlivened  their  devotions  with  most  excellent 
punch.  The  worthy  clergyman  (for  worthy  he  was) 
thought  of  little  else  but  his  calling,  and  was  a  sincere, 
enthusiastic  man,  who  was  not  to  be  checked  by  any  con- 
sideration in  what  he  considered  to  be  his  duty ;  but 
although  he  rebuked,  he  rebuked  mildly,  and  never  lost 
his  temper.  Stern  in  his  creed,  which  allowed  no  loop- 
hole by  which  the  offender  might  escape,  still  there  was  a 
kindness  and  even  a  humility  in  his  expostulation,  which 
caused  his  zeal  never  to  offend,  and  often  to  create  serious 
reflection.  His  wife  was  a  tall,  handsome  woman,  who 
evidently  had  usurped  an  ascendency  over  her  husband  in 
all  points  unconnected  with  his  calling.  She,  too,  was 
devout ;  but  hers  was  not  the  true  religion,  for  it  had  not 
charity  for  its  basis.  She  was  clever  and  severe  ;  spoke 
seldom  ;  but  the  few  words  which  escaped  from  her  lips 
were  sarcastic  in  their  tendency. 

The  passengers  who  still  remained  on  shore  were 
numerous.  There  was  an  old  colonel,  returning  from  a 
three  years'  furlough,  the  major  part  of  which  had  been 
spent  at  Cheltenham.  He  was  an  Adonis  of  sixty,  with 
yellow  cheeks  and  white  teeth  ;  a  man  who  had  passed 
through  life  doing  nothing  ;  had  risen  in  his  profession 
without  having  seen  service,  except  on  one  occasion,  and 
of  that  circumstance  he  made  the  most.  With  a  good 
constitution  and  happy  temperament,  constantly  in  society, 
and  constantly  in  requisition,  he  had  grown  old  without 
being  aware  of  it,  and  considered  himself  as  much  an 
object  of  interest  with  the  other  sex  as  he  was  formerly 
when  a  gay  captain  of  five-and-twenty,  with  good  pros- 
pects. Amusing,  and  easily  amused,  he  had  turned  over 
the  pages  of  the  novel  of  life  so  uninterruptedly,  that  he 
had  nearly  arrived  at  the  last  page  without  being  conscious 
that  the  linis  was  at  hand. 

Then  there  were  two  cadets  from  the  college,  full  of 
themselves  and  their  own  consequence,   fitted  out  with 


The  Merchant  Service  217 

plenty  of  money  and  plenty  of  advice,  both  of  which  were 
destined  to  be  thrown  away.  There  was  also  a  young 
writer,  who  talked  of  his  mother,  Lady  Elizabeth,  and 
other  high  relations,  who  had  despatched  him  to  India, 
that  he  might  be  provided  for  by  a  cholera  morbus  or  a 
lucrative  post ;  a  matter  of  perfect  indifference  to  those 
who  had  sent  him  from  England.  Then,  let  me  see, — oh ! 
there  were  two  officers  of  a  regiment  at  St  Helena,  with 
tongues  much  longer  than  their  purses  ;  who,  in  the  fore- 
part of  the  day,  condescended  to  talk  nonsense  to  the  fairer 
of  the  other  sex,  and,  in  the  evening,  to  win  a  few  pounds 
from  the  weaker  of  their  own. 

But  all  these  were  nobodies  in  the  eyes  of  Captain 
Drawlock  ;  they  were  a  part  of  his  cargo,  for  which  he 
was  not  responsible.  The  important  part  of  his  consign- 
ment were  four  unmarried  women ;  three  of  them  were 
young,  good-looking,  and  poor ;  the  other  ill-favoured, 
old,  but  rich. 

We  must  give  precedence  to  wealth  and  age.  The 
lady  last  mentioned  was  a  Miss  Tavistock,  born  and 
educated  in  the  city,  where  her  father  had  long  been 
at  the  head  of  the  well-established  firm  of  Tavistock, 
Bottlecock  &  Co.,  Dyers,  Calenderers,  and  Scourers. 
As  we  before  observed,  she  was  the  fortunate  sole  heiress 
to  her  father's  accumulation,  which  might  amount  to 
nearly  thirty  thousand  pounds  ;  but  had  been  little  gifted 
by  nature.  In  fact,  she  was  what  you  may  style  most 
preposterously  ugly  ;  her  figure  was  large  and  masculine ; 
her  hair  red ;  and  her  face  very  deeply  indented  with 
the  small-pox.  As  a  man,  she  would  have  been  con- 
sidered the  essence  of  vulgarity  ;  as  a  woman,  she  was 
the  quintessence :  so  much  so,  that  she  had  arrived  at 
the  age  of  thirty-six  without  having,  notwithstanding  her 
property,  received  any  attentions  which  could  be  con- 
strued into  an  offer.  As  we  always  seek  most  eagerly 
that  which  we  find  most  difficult  to  obtain,  she  was 
possessed  with  une  fureur  de  se  marier ;  and,  as  a  last 
resource,  had   resolved   to  go  out  to   India,   where   she 


2i8  Newton  Forster;  or, 

had  been  informed  that  "  anything  white  "  was  acceptable. 
This  passion  for  matrimony  (for  with  her  it  had  so  become, 
if  not  a  disease)  occupied  her  whole  thoughts ;  but  she 
attempted  to  veil  them  by  always  pretending  to  be  ex- 
tremely sensitive  and  refined ;  to  be  shocked  at  anything 
which  had  the  slightest  allusion  to  the  "  increase  and 
multiply ; "  and  constantly  lamented  the  extreme  fragility 
of  her  constitution;  to  which  her  athletic  bony  frame 
gave  so  determined  a  lie,  that  her  hearers  were  struck 
dumb  with  the  barefaced  assertion.  Miss  Tavistock  had 
kept  up  a  correspondence  with  an  old  schoolmate,  who 
had  been  taken  away  early  to  join  her  friends  in  India,  and 
had  there  married.  As  her  hopes  of  matrimony  dwindled 
away,  so  did  her  affection  for  her  old  friend  appear,  by  her 
letters,  to  increase.  At  last,  in  answer  to  a  letter,  in 
which  she  declared  that  she  would  like  to  come  out,  and 
(as  she  had  long  made  a  resolution  to  continue  single) 
adopt  one  of  her  friend's  children,  and  pass  her  days  with 
them,  she  received  an  answer,  stating  how  happy  they 
would  be  to  receive  her,  and  personally  renew  the  old 
friendship,  if  indeed  she  could  be  persuaded  to  venture 
upon  so  long  and  venturous  a  passage.  Whether  this 
answer  was  sincere  or  not,  Miss  Tavistock  took  advantage 
of  the  invitation ;  and  writing  to  intimate  her  speedy 
arrival,  took  her  passage  in  the  Bombay  Castle. 

The  other  three  spinsters  were  sisters  :  Charlotte,  Laura, 
and  Isabel  Revel,  daughters  of  the  Honourable  Mr  Revel, 
a  roue  of  excellent  family,  who  had  married  for  money, 
and  had  dissipated  all  his  wife's  fortune  except  the  marriage 
settlement  of  £600  per  annum.  Their  mother  was  a 
selfish,  short-sighted,  manoeuvring  woman,  whose  great 
anxiety  was  to  form  establishments  for  her  daughters,  or, 
in  other  terms,  remove  the  expense  of  their  maintenance 
from  her  own  to  the  shoulders  of  other  people,  very  in- 
different whether  the  change  might  contribute  to  their 
happiness  or  not.  Mr  Revel  may  be  said  to  have  long 
deserted  his  family  ;  he  lived  nobody  knew  where,  and 
seldom  called,  unless  it  was  to  "raise  the  wind"  upon  his 


The  Merchant  Service  219 

wife,  who  by  entreaties  and  threats  was  necessitated  to 
purchase  his  absence  by  a  sacrifice  of  more  than  half  her 
income.  Of  his  daughters  he  took  little  notice,  when  he 
did  make  his  appearance ;  and  if  so,  it  was  generally  in 
terms  more  calculated  to  raise  the  blush  of  indignant 
modesty  than  to  stimulate  the  natural  feelings  of  affection 
of  a  daughter  towards  a  parent.  Their  mother,  whose 
income  was  not  sufficient  to  meet  the  demands  of  a 
worthless  husband,  in  addition  to  the  necessary  expenses 
attendant  on  three  grown-up  women,  was  unceasing  in  her 
attempts  to  get  them  off  her  hands  :  but  we  will  introduce 
a  conversation  v/hich  took  place  between  her  and  a  sedate- 
looking,  powdered  old  gentJeman,  who  had  long  been 
considered  as  a  "  friend  of  the  family,"  as  thereby  more 
light  will  perhaps  be  thrown  upon  her  character. 

**  The  fact  is,  my  dear  Mr  Heaviside,  that  I  hardly 
know  what  to  do.  Mr  Revel,  who  is  very  intimate  with 
the  theatre  people,  proposed  that  they  should  try  their 
fortune  on  the  stage.  He  says  (and  indeed  there  is  some 
truth  in  it)  that  nowadays,  the  best  plan  for  a  man  to 
make  himself  popular  is  to  be  sent  to  Newgate  ;  and  the 
best  chance  that  a  girl  has  of  a  coronet,  is  to  become  an 
actress.  Well,  I  did  not  much  like  the  idea ;  but  at  last 
I  consented.  Isabel,  my  youngest,  is,  you  know,  very 
handsome  in  her  person,  and  sings  remarkably  well,  and 
we  arranged  that  she  should  go  on  first;  and,  if  she 
succeeded,  that  her  sister  Charlotte  should  follow  her ; 
but  Isabel  is  of  a  very  obstinate  disposition,  and  when  we 
proposed  it  to  her,  she  peremptorily  refused,  and  declared 
that  she  would  go  out  as  a  governess,  or  anything,  rather 
than  consent.  I  tried  what  coaxing  would  do,  and  her 
father  tried  threatening ;  but  all  was  in  vain.  This  was 
about  a  year  ago,  and  she  is  now  only  seventeen ;  but  she 
ever  was  a  most  decided,  a  most  obstinate  character." 

"  Very  undutiful,  indeed,  ma'am ;  she  might  have  been 
a  duchess  before  this  : — a  very  foolish  girl,  indeed,  ma'am," 
observed  the  gentleman. 

*'  Well,  Mr  Heaviside,  we  then  thought  that  Charlotte, 


220  Newton  Forster;  or, 

our  eldest,  had  the  next  best  chance  of  success.  Although 
not  by  any  means  so  good-looking  as  her  sister  ;  indeed,  to 
tell  you  the  truth,  Mr  Heaviside,  which  I  would  not  do  to 
everybody,  but  I  know  that  you  can  keep  a  secret,  Charlotte 
is  now  nearly  thirty  years  old,  and  her  sister,  Laura,  only 
one  year  younger." 

"  Is  it  possible,  madam  !  "  replied  Mr  Heaviside,  looking 
at  the  lady  with  well-feigned  astonishment. 

"  Yes,  indeed,"  replied  the  lady,  who  had  forgotten 
that  in  telling  her  daughters'  secrets,  she  had  let  out  her 
own  ;  *'  but  I  was  married  so  young,  so  very  young,  that 
I  am  almost  ashamed  to  think  of  it.  Well,  Mr  Heaviside, 
as  I  was  saying,  although  not  so  good-looking  as  her  sister, 
Mr  Revel,  who  is  a  good  judge  in  these  matters,  declared 
that  by  the  theatre  lights  Charlotte  would  be  reckoned  a 
very  fine  woman.  We  proposed  it  to  her,  and,  after  a 
little  pouting,  she  consented ;  the  only  difficulty  was, 
whether  she  should  attempt  tragedy  or  comedy.  Her 
features  were  considered  rather  too  sharp  for  comedy,  and 
her  figure  not  quite  tall  enough  for  tragedy.  She  herself 
preferred    tragedy,    which    decided    the    point  ;    and    Mr 

Revel,  who  knows  all  the  actors,  persuaded  Mr  Y 

(you  know  who  I  mean,  the  great  tragic  actor)  to  come 

here,  and  give  his  opinion  of  her  recitation.     Mr  Y 

was  excessively  polite  ;  declared  that  she  was  a  young 
lady  of  great  talent,  but  that  a  slight  lisp,  which  she  has, 
unfitted  her  most  decidedly  for  tragedy.  Of  course,  it 
was  abandoned  for  comedy,  which  she  studied  some  time ; 
and  when  we  considered   her  competent,  Mr  Revel  had 

interest  enough  to  induce   the  great  Mr  M to  come 

and  give  his  opinion.  Charlotte  performed  her  part,  as  I 
thought,  remarkably  well,  and  when  she  had  finished  she 

left  the  room,  that  Mr  M might  not  be  chec^ked  by 

her  presence  from  giving  me  his  unbiassed  opinion." 

"  Which  was  favourable,  ma'am,  I  presume  ;  for,  if  not 
fitted  for  the  one,  she  naturally  must  have  been  fit  for  the 
other." 

"  So  I   thought,"  replied   the   lady,  to  this    polite  non 


The  Merchant  Service  221 

sequitur  of  the  gentleman.     *'  But  Mr  M is  a  very  odd 

man,  and  if  I  must  say  it,  not  very  polite.  What  do  you 
think,  Mr  Heaviside,  as  soon  as  she  left  the  room  he  rose 
from  his  chair,  and,  twisting  up  the  corner  of  his  mouth, 
as  he  looked  me  in  the  face,  he  said,  *  Madam,  it  is  my 
opinion  that  your  daughter's  comedy,  whenever  she  makes 
her  appearance  on  the  boards,  will,  to  use  a  Yankee  ex- 
pression, be  most  particularly  damned  I  I  wish  you  a  very 
good  morning." 

"  Very  rude,  indeed,  madam ;  most  excessively  unpoHte 
of  Mr  M .     I  should  not  have  thought  it  possible." 

Well,  Mr  Heaviside,  as  for  Laura,  poor  thing  !  you  are 
aware  that  she  is  not  quite  so  clever  as  she  might  be ;  she 
never  had  any  memory  :  when  a  child,  she  never  could 
recollect  the  evening  hymn  if  she  missed  it  two  nights 
running  ;  so  that  acting  was  out  of  the  question  with  her. 
So  that  all  my  hopes  of  their  forming  a  splendid  establish- 
ment by  that  channel  have  vanished.  Now,  my  dear  Mr 
Heaviside,  what  would  you  propose  ?  " 

"  Why,  really,  ma'am,  it  is  so  difficult  to  advise  in  these 
times  ;  but,  if  anxious  to  dispose  of  your  daughters,  why 
not  send  them  out  to  India  ? " 

"  We  have  thought  of  it  several  times  ;  for  Mr  Revel 
has  an  uncle  there  unmarried,  and  they  say  very  rich.  He 
is  a  colonel  in  the  Bombay  marine,  I  believe." 

*'  More  probably  in  the  Bengal  army,  ma'am." 

"Well,  I  believe  you  are  right;  but  I  know  it's  in  the 
Company's  service.  But  the  old  gentleman  hates  my 
husband,  and  will  not  have  anything  to  say  to  him.  I  did 
write  a  very  civil  letter  to  him,  in  which  I  just  hinted  how 
glad  one  or  two  of  my  daughters  would  be  to  take  care  of 
his  house,  but  he  never  condescended  to  give  me  an  answer. 
I  am  told  that  he  is  a  very  unpleasant  man." 

"  A  difficult  thing  to  advise,  ma'am,  very  difficult 
indeed  !  but  I  can  tell  you  a  circumstance  which  occurred 
about  five  years  ago,  when  a  similar  application  to  a  relative 
in  India  was  made  by  a  friend  of  mine.  It  was  no  more 
attended  to  than  yours  has  been.     Nevertheless,  as  it  was 


222  Newton  Forster;  or, 

supposed  that  the  answer  had  miscarried,  the  young  lady 
was  sent  out  to  her  relative  with  a  decent  equipment,  and 
a  letter  of  introduction.  Her  relation  was  very  much 
surprised :  but  what  could  he  do  ?  he  could  not  permit 
the  young  lady  to  remain  without  a  roof  over  her  head, 
so  he  received  her,  and  as  he  did  not  like  to  say  how  he 
had  been  treated,  he  held  his  tongue.  The  young  lady, 
in  the  course  of  three  months,  made  a  very  good  match ; 
and  is,  to  my  knowledge,  constantly  sending  home  India 
shawls  and  other  handsome  presents  to  her  mother." 

**  Indeed,  Mr  Heaviside,  then  do  you  advise " 

"  It  is  difficult,  extremely  difficult  to  advise  upon  so 
nice  a  point.  I  only  state  the  fact,  my  dear  madam :  I 
should  think  the  colonel  must  feel  the  want  of  female 
society ;  but,  God  bless  me !  it's  nearly  two  o'clock. 
Good  morning,  my  dear  Mrs  Revel — good  morning." 

"  Good  morning,  my  dear  Mr  Heaviside ;  it's  very  kind 
of  you  to  call  in  this  sociable  way  and  chat  an  hour  or 
two.     Good  morning." 

The  result  of  the  above  conversation  was  a  consultation 
between  Mr  Revel  and  his  wife  upon  their  first  meeting. 
Mr  Revel  was  delighted  with  the  plan,  not  so  much  caring 
at  the  disposal  of  his  daughters  as  he  was  pleased  with 
the  idea  of  annoying  his  uncle,  from  whom  he,  at  one 
time,  had  great  expectations ;  but,  as  it  was  necessary  to 
be  circumspect,  especially  with  Isabel,  Mr  Revel  took  the 
opportunity  of  a  subsequent  visit  to  state  that  he  had 
received  a  letter  from  his  uncle  in  India,  wishing  one  of 
his  daughters  to  go  out  and  live  with  him.  In  a  few 
months  he  read  another  letter  (composed  by  himself,  and 
copied  in  another  hand),  earnestly  desiring  that  they  might 
all  come  out  to  him,  as  it  would  be  much  to  their  ad- 
vantage. The  reluctance  of  the  two  eldest  was  removed 
by  pointing  out  the  magnificent  establishments  they  might 
secure :  the  consent  of  Isabel  by  a  statement  of  difficulty 
and  debt  on  the  part  of  her  parents,  which  would  end 
in  beggary  if  not  relieved  from  the  burden  of  their 
support. 


The  Merchant  Service  223 

By  insuring  her  life,  a  sum  of  money  sufficient  for  their 
outfit  and  passage  was  raised  on  Mrs  Revel's  marriage 
settlement ;  and  the  three  Miss  Revels  were  thus  shipped 
off  by  their  affectionate  parents,  as  a  *'  venture,"  in  the 
Bombay  Castle, 


Chapter  XXXII 

«  Thus  the  rich  vessel  moves  in  trim  array, 
Like  some  fair  virgin  on  her  bridal  day: 
Thus  like  a  swan,  she  cleaves  the  watery  plain, 
The  pride  and  wonder  of  the  ^gean  main. 

"The  natives,  while  the  ship  departs  the  land, 
Ashore,  with  admiration  gazing  stand ; 
Majestically  slow  before  the  breeze, 
In  silent  pomp,  she  marches  on  the  seas." 

Falconer  . 

Much  to  the  satisfaction  of  Captain  Drawlock,  the  chrono- 
meters and  the  ladies  were  safe  on  board,  and  the  Bombay 
Castle  proceeded  to  the  Downs,  where  she  was  joined  by 
the  purser,  charged  with  despatches  of  the  august  directors. 
Once  upon  a  time  a  director  was  a  very  great  man,  and 
the  India  board  a  very  great  board.  There  must  have 
been  a  very  great  many  plums  in  the  pudding,  for  in  this 
world  people  do  not  take  trouble  for  nothing ;  and  until 
latter  years,  how  eagerly,  how  perseveringly  was  this 
situation  applied  for — what  supplicating  advertisements — 
what  fawning  and  wheedling  promises  of  attention  to  the 
interests  of  the  proprietors — *'  your  voices,  good  people  !  " 
But  now  nobody  is  so  particularly  anxious  to  be  a  director, 
because  another  board  "bigger  than  he "  has  played  the 
kittiwake,  and  forced  it  to  disgorge  for  the  consumption 
of  its  superior, — I  mean  the  Board  of  Control :  the  reader 
has  probably  heard  of  it ;  the  board  which,  not  content 
with  the  European  residents  in  India  being  deprived  of 
their  proudest  birthright,  "  the  liberty  of  the  press," 
would  even  prevent  them   from  having  justice  awarded 


224  Newton  Forster;  or, 

to  them,  by  directing  two  tame  elephants  (thereby  im- 
plying two )  to  be  placed  on  each  side  of  a  wild 

one  (thereby  implying  an  honest  and  conscientious  man). 
Notwithstanding  all  which,  for  the  present,  the  tongue, 
the  ears,  and  the  eyes  are  permitted  to  be  made  discreet 
use  of,  although  I  believe  that  the  new  charter  is  to  have 
a  clause  introduced  to  the  contrary. 

The  prevalent  disease  of  the  time  we  live  in  is  ophthal- 
mia of  intellect,  affecting  the  higher  classes.  Monarchs, 
stone-blind,  have  tumbled  headlong  from  their  thrones,  and 
princes  have  been  conducted  by  their  subjects  out  of  their 
principalities.  The  aristocracy  are  purblind,  and  cannot 
distinctly  decipher  the  "  signs  of  the  times."  The  hier- 
archy cannot  discover  why  people  would  have  religion  at 
a  reduced  price :  in  fact,  they  are  all  blind,  and  will  not 
perceive  that  an  enormous  mass,  in  the  shape  of  public 
opinion,  hangs  over  their  heads  and  threatens  to  annihilate 
them.  Forgetting  that  kings,  and  princes,  and  lords, 
spiritual  or  temporal,  have  all  been  raised  to  their  various 
degrees  of  exaltation  by  public  opinion  alone,  they  talk  of 
legitimacy,  of  vested  rights,  and  Deuteronomy. — Well,  if 
there  is  to  be  a  general  tumble,  thank  God,  I  can't  fall  far ! 

We  left  the  Bombay  Castle  in  the  Downs,  where  she  re- 
mained until  joined  by  several  other  India  vessels.  On  the 
arrival  of  a  large  frigate,  who  had  orders  to  escort  them  as 
far  as  the  Island  of  St  Helena,  they  all  weighed,  and  bore 
down  the  Channel  before  a  strong  S.E.  gale.  The  first  ten 
days  of  a  voyage  there  is  seldom  much  communication  be- 
tween those  belonging  to  the  ship  and  the  passengers  ;  the 
former  are  too  much  occupied  in  making  things  shipshape, 
and  the  latter  with  the  miseries  of  sea-sickness.  An  adverse 
gale  in  the  Bay  of  Biscay,  with  which  they  had  to  contend, 
did  not  at  all  contribute  to  the  recovery  of  the  digestive 
powers  of  the  latter ;  and  it  was  not  until  a  day  or  two 
before  the  arrival  of  the  convoy  at  Madeira  that  the  ribbon 
of  a  bonnet  was  to  be  seen  fluttering  in  the  breeze  which 
swept  the  decks  of  the  Bombay  Castle. 

The  first  which  rose  up  from  the  quarter-deck  hatchway 


The  Merchant  Service  225 

was  one  that  encircled  the  head  of  Mrs  Ferguson,  the  wife 
of  the  Presbyterian  divine,  who  crawled  up  the  ladder, 
supported  on  one  side  by  her  husband,  and  on  the  other  by 
the  assiduous  Captain  Drawlock. 

"  Very  well  done,  ma'am,  indeed !  "  said  the  captain, 
with  an  encouraging  smile,  as  the  lady  seized  hold  of  the 
copper  stanchions  which  surrounded  the  sky-lights,  to  sup- 
port herself,  when  she  had  gained  the  deck,  "  You're  a 
capital  sailor,  and  have  by  your  conduct  set  an  example  to 
the  other  ladies,  as  I  have  no  doubt  your  husband  does  to 
the  gentlemen.     Now  allow  me  to  offer  you  my  arm." 

"  Will  you  take  mine  also,  my  dear,"  said  Mr  Ferguson. 

"No,  Mr  Ferguson,"  replied  the  lady,  tartly  ;  "  I  think 
it  is  enough  for  you  to  take  care  of  yourself.  Recollect 
your  Scripture  proverb  of  *  the  blind  leading  the  blind.'  I 
have  no  inclination  to  tumble  into  one  of  those  pits,"  added 
she,  pointing  to  the  hatchway. 

Captain  Drawlock  very  civilly  dragged  the  lady  to  the 
weather-side  of  the  quarter-deck,  where,  after  in  vain 
attempting  to  walk,  she  sat  down  on  one  of  the  carronade 
slides. 

"The  fresh  air  will  soon  revive  you,  ma'am;  you'll  be 
much  better  directly,"  observed  the  attentive  captain.  "  I 
beg  your  pardon  one  moment,  but  there  is  another  lady 
coming  out  of  the  cuddy." 

The  cabins  abaft  the  cuddy,  or  dining-room,  were  gen- 
erally occupied  by  the  more  distinguished  and  wealthy 
passengers  (a  proportionate  sum  being  charged  extra  for 
them).  The  good  people  of  Glasgow,  with  a  due  regard 
to  economy,  had  not  run  themselves  into  such  unnecessary 
expenses  for  the  passage  of  Mr  and  Mrs  Ferguson.  Mr 
Revel,  aware  of  the  effect  produced  by  an  appearance  of 
wealth,  had  taken  one  of  them  for  his  daughters.  The 
other  had  been  secured  by  Miss  Tavistock,  much  to  the 
gratification  of  the  captain,  who  thus  had  his  unmarried 
ladies  and  his  chronometers  both  immediately  under  his 
own  eye. 

The  personage  who  had  thus  called  away  the  attention 
F  P 


226  Newton  Forster;  or, 

of  the  captain  was  Isabel  Revel,  whom,  although  she  has 
already  been  mentioned,  it  will  be  necessary  to  describe 
more  particularly  to  the  reader. 

Isabel  Revel  was  now  eighteen  years  old,  endowed  with 
a  mind  so  superior,  that  had  not  her  talents  been  checked 
by  a  natural  reserve,  she  might  have  stepped  from  the 
crowd,  and  have  been  hailed  as  a  genius.  She  had  been 
brought  up  by  a  foolish  mother,  and  had  in  her  earlier  years 
been  checked  by  her  two  insipid  sisters,  who  assumed  over 
her  an  authority  which  their  age  alone  could  warrant. 
Seldom,  if  ever,  permitted  to  appear  when  there  was  com- 
pany, that  she  might  not  "  spoil  the  market"  of  the  eldest, 
she  had  in  her  solitude  applied  much  to  reading,  and  thus 
had  her  mind  been  highly  cultivated. 

The  conduct  of  her  father  entitled  him  to  no  respect ; 
the  heartlessness  of  her  mother  to  no  esteem  j  the  tyranny 
of  her  sisters  to  no  affection ;  yet  did  she  strive  to  render 
all.  Until  the  age  of  sixteen  she  had  been  the  Cinderella 
of  the  family,  during  which  period  of  seclusion  she  had 
learned  to  think  and  to  act  for  herself. 

Her  figure  was  a  little  above  the  middle  size,  light  and 
elegant  •,  her  features  beautiful,  with  an  expression  of 
seriousness,  arising  probably  from  speaking  little  and 
reflecting  much.  Yet  she  possessed  a  mind  ardent  and 
enthusiastic,  which  often  bore  her  away  in  animated  dis- 
course, until  the  eye  of  admiration  fixed  upon  her  would 
suddenly  close  her  lips,  for  her  modesty  and  her  genius 
were  at  perpetual  variance. 

It  is  well  known  to  most  of  my  readers  that  woman  is  a 
problem  -,  but  it  may  not  be  as  well  known  that  nowadays 
she  is  a  mathematical  problem.  Yet  so  it  is.  As  in  the 
latter  you  have  certain  known  quantities  given  by  which 
you  are  to  find  a  quantity  unknown,  so  in  a  lady  you  have 
the  hand,  the  foot,  the  mouth,  &c.,  apparent ;  and  'tis 
only  by  calculation,  now  that  modern  dresses  are  made  so 
full,  that  you  can  arrive  at  a  just  estimate  of  her  approach 
to  total  perfection.  All  good  arithmeticians,  as  they 
scrutinised  the  outward  and  the  visible  of  Isabel  Revel, 


The  Merchant  Service  227 

were  perfectly  assured  as  to  her  quotient.  But  if  I  talked 
for  hours,  I  could  say  no  more  than  that  she  was  one  of 
those  ideal  images  created  in  the  dream  of  youth  and 
poetry,  fairly  embodied  in  flesh  and  blood.  As  her  father 
had  justly  surmised,  could  she  have  been  persuaded  to 
have  tried  her  fortune  on  the  stage,  she  had  personal 
attractions,  depth  of  feeling,  and  vivacity  of  mind  to  have 
rendered  her  one  of  the  very  first  in  a  profession,  to  excel 
in  which  there  is,  perhaps,  more  correct  judgment  and 
versatility  of  talent  required  than  in  any  other,  and  would 
have  had  a  fair  prospect  of  obtaining  that  coronet  which 
has  occasionally  been  the  reward  of  those  fair  dames  who 
"  stoop  to  conquer." 

Mr  Revel,  who  had  been  made  acquainted  with  the 
customs  on  board  of  East  India  ships,  had  been  introduced 
to  Mrs  Ferguson,  and  had  requested  her  to  take  upon  her- 
self the  office  of  chaperon  to  his  daughters,  during  the 
passage :  a  nominal  charge  indeed,  yet  considered  to  be 
etiquette.  Mrs  Ferguson,  pleased  with  the  gentlemanlike 
demeanour  and  personal  appearance  of  Mr  Revel,  and 
perhaps  at  the  same  time  not  sorry  to  have  an  authority  to 
find  fault,  had  most  graciously  acquiesced ;  and  the  three 
Miss  Revels  were  considered  to  be  under  her  protection. 

As  I  said  before.  Miss  Isabel  Revel  made  her  appear- 
ance not  unattended,  for  she  was  escorted  by  Doctor 
Plausible,  the  surgeon  of  the  ship.  And  now  I  must 
again  digress  while  I  introduce  that  gentleman.  I  never 
shall  get  that  poor  girl  from  the  cuddy-door. 

Doctor  Plausible  had  been  summoned  to  prescribe  for 
Miss  Laura  Revel,  who  suffered  extremely  from  the 
motion  of  the  vessel,  and  the  remedies  which  she  had 
applied  to  relieve  her  uneasiness.  Miss  Laura  Revel  had 
been  told  by  somebody,  previous  to  her  embarkation,  that 
the  most  effectual  remedy  for  sea-sickness  was  gingerbread. 
In  pursuance  of  the  advice  received,  she  had  provided  her- 
self with  ten  or  twelve  squares  of  this  commodity,  about 
one  foot  by  eighteen  inches,  which  squares  she  had  com- 
menced upon  as  soon  as  she  came  on  board,  and  had  never 


228  Newton  Forster;  or, 

ceased  to  swallow,  notwithstanding  various  interruptions. 
The  more  did  her  stomach  reject  it  the  more  did  she  force 
it  down,  until,  what  with  deglutition,  et  vice  versa,  she  had 
been  reduced  to  a  state  of  extreme  weakness,  attended 
with  fever. 

How  many  panaceas  have  been  offered  without  success 
for  two  evils — sea-sickness  and  hydrophobia !  and  between 
these  two  there  appears  to  be  a  link,  for  sea-sickness  as 
surely  ends  in  hydrophobia,  as  hydrophobia  does  in  death. 
The  sovereign  remedy  prescribed,  when  I  first  went  to  sea, 
was  a  piece  of  fat  pork,  tied  to  a  string,  to  be  swallowed, 
and  then  pulled  up  again ;  the  dose  to  be  repeated  until 
effective.  I  should  not  have  mentioned  this  well-known 
remedy,  as  it  has  long  been  superseded  by  other  nostrums, 
were  it  not  that  this  maritime  prescription  has  been  the 
origin  of  two  modern  improvements  in  the  medical  cata- 
logue— one  is  the  stomach-pump,  evidently  borrowed 
from  this  simple  engine ;  the  other  is  the  very  successful 
prescription  now  in  vogue,  to  those  who  are  weak  in  the 
digestive  organs,  to  eat  fat  bacon  for  breakfast,  which  I 
have  no  doubt  was  suggested  to  Doctor  Vance,  from  what 
he  had  been  eye-witness  to  on  board  of  a  man-of-war. 

But  here  I  am  digressing  again  from  Doctor  Plausible 
to  Doctor  Vance.  Reader,  I  never  lose  the  opportunity  of 
drawing  a  moral  5  and  what  an  important  one  is  here ! 
Observe  how  difficult  it  is  to  regain  the  right  path  when 
once  you  have  quitted  it.  Let  my  error  be  a  warning  to 
you  in  your  journey  through  life,  and  my  digressions 
preserve  you  from  diverging  from  the  beaten  track,  which, 
as  the  Americans  would  say,  leads  clean  slick  on  to  happi- 
ness and  peace. 

Doctor  Plausible  was  a  personable  man,  apparently 
about  five-and-thirty  years  old ;  he  wore  a  little  powder 
in  his  hair,  black  silk  stockings,  and  knee-breeches.  In 
this  I  consider  Doctor  Plausible  was  right ;  the  above 
look  much  more  scientific  than  Wellington  trousers  ;  and 
much  depends  upon  the  exterior.  He  was  quite  a  ladies' 
man  5  talked  to  them  about  their  extreme  sensibility,  their 


The  Merchant  Service  229 

peculiar  fineness  of  organic  structure,  their  delicacy  of 
nerves  j  and  soothed  his  patients  more  by  flattery  than  by 
physic.  Having  discovered  that  Miss  Laura  was  not 
inclined  to  give  up  her  gingerbread,  he  immediately 
acknowledged  its  virtues,  but  recommended  that  it  should 
be  cut  into  extremely  small  dice,  and  allowed,  as  it  were, 
to  melt  away  upon  the  tongue ;  stating,  that  her  digestive 
organs  were  so  refined  and  delicate,  that  they  would  not 
permit  themselves  to  be  loaded  with  any  large  particles, 
even  of  farinaceous  compound.  Isabel  Revel,  who  had 
been  informed  that  Mrs  Ferguson  was  on  deck,  expressed 
a  wish  to  escape  from  the  confined  atmosphere  of  the 
cabin ;  and  Dr  Plausible,  as  soon  as  he  had  prescribed 
for  Miss  Laura,  offered  Miss  Isabel  his  services  ;  which, 
for  want  of  a  better,  perhaps,  were  accepted. 

The  ship  at  this  time  had  a  great  deal  of  motion.  The 
gale  was  spent ;  but  the  sea  created  by  the  violence  of 
the  wind  had  not  yet  subsided,  and  the  waves  continued 
still  to  rise  and  fall  again,  like  the  panting  breasts  of  men 
who  have  just  desisted  from  fierce  contention.  Captain 
Drawlock  hastened  over  to  receive  his  charge  from  the 
hands  of  the  medical  attendant ;  and  paying  Isabel  some 
compliments  on  her  appearance,  was  handing  her  over  to 
the  weather-side,  where  Mrs  Ferguson  was  seated,  when 
a  sea  of  larger  dimensions  than  usual  careened  the  ship  to 
what  the  sailors  term  a  "  heavy  lurch."  The  decks  were 
wet  and  slippery.  Captain  Drawlock  lost  his  footing,  and 
was  thrown  to  leeward.  Isabel  would  most  certainly 
have  kept  him  company  ;  and  indeed  was  already  under 
weigh  for  the  lee-scuppers,  had  not  it  been  that  Newton 
Forster,  who  stood  near,  caught  her  round  the  waist,  and 
prevented  her  from  falling. 

It  certainly  was  a  great  presumption  to  take  a  young 
lady  round  the  waist  previous  to  any  introduction ;  but, 
at  sea,  we  are  not  very  particular ;  and  if  we  do  perceive 
that  a  lady  is  in  danger  of  a  severe  fall,  we  do  not  stand 
upon  etiquette.  What  is  more  remarkable,  we  generally 
find  that  the  ladies  excuse  our  unpolished  manners,  either 


230  Newton  Forster;  or, 

upon  the  score  of  our  good  intentions,  or  because  there 
is  nothing  so  very  impertinent  in  them,  after  all.  Certain 
it  is,  that  Isabel,  as  soon  as  she  had  recovered  from  her 
alarm,  thanked  Newton  Forster,  with  a  sweet  smile,  for 
his  timely  aid,  as  she  again  took  the  arm  of  Captain 
Drawlock,  who  escorted  her  to  the  weather-side  of  the 
quarter-deck. 

"I  have  brought  you  one  of  your  protegees,  Mrs 
Ferguson,"  said  Captain  Drawlock.  "  How  do  you  feel. 
Miss  Revel  ? " 

"  Like  most  young  ladies,  sir,  a  little  giddy,"  replied 
Isabel.  "  I  hope  you  were  not  hurt,  Captain  Drawlock ; 
I'm  afraid  that  you  fell  by  paying  more  attention  to  me 
than  to  yourself." 

"  My  duty.  Miss  Revel.  Allow  me  to  add,  my 
pleasure,"  replied  the  captain,  bowing. 

"  That's  very  politely  said,  Captain  Drawlock,"  replied 
Isabel. 

"  Almost  too  polite,  I  think,"  observed  Mrs  Ferguson 
(who  was  out  of  humour  at  not  being  the  first  object  of 
attention),  *' considering  that  Captain  Drawlock  is  a 
married  man,  with  seven  children."  The  captain  looked 
glum,  and  Miss  Revel  observing  it,  turned  the  conversa- 
tion by  inquiring — "Who  was  that  gentleman  who  saved 
me  from  falling  ?  " 

"  Mr  Newton  Forster,  one  of  the  mates  of  the  vessel. 
"Would  you  like  to  walk.  Miss  Revel,  or  remain  where 
you  are  ?  " 

"  Thank  you,  I  will  stay  with  Mrs  Ferguson." 

The  gentlemen  passengers  had  as  yet  but  occasionally 
appeared  on  deck.  Men  generally  suffer  more  from  the 
distressing  sickness  than  women.  As  soon,  however,  as 
the  news  had  been  communicated  below  that  the  ladies 
were  on  deck,  some  of  the  gentlemen  immediately  repaired 
to  their  trunks  to  make  themselves  presentable,  and  then 
hastened  on  deck.  The  first  on  deck  was  the  old  colonel, 
who  tottered  up  the  hatchway,  and  by  dint  of  seizing  rope 
after   rope,  at  last   succeeded   in   advancing  his  lines  to 


The  Merchant  Service 


2'll 


within  hearing  range  of  Mrs  Ferguson,  to  whom  he  had 
been  formally  introduced.  He  commenced  by  lamenting 
his  unfortunate  sufferings,  which  had  prevented  him  from 
paying  those  attentions,  ever  to  him  a  source  of  enjoy- 
ment and  gratification  •,  but  he  was  a  martyr — quite  a 
martyr  ;  never  felt  any  sensation  which  could  be  com- 
pared to  it,  except  when  he  was  struck  in  the  breast  with 

a  spent  ball,  in  the  battle  of ;  that  their  appearance 

had  made  him  feel  revived  already ;  that  as  the  world 
would  be  a  dark  prison  without  the  sun,  so  would  a  ship 
be  without  the  society  of  ladies ;  commenced  a  description 
of  Calcutta,  and  then — made  a  hasty  retreat  to  the  lee- 
gangway. 

The  young  writer  next  made  his  appearance,  followed 
by  the  two  boys,  who  were  going  out  as  cadets  ;  the  first, 
with  a  new  pair  of  grey  kid  gloves,  the  others  in  their 
uniforms.  The  writer  descanted  long  upon  his  own 
miseries,  without  any  inquiry  or  condolement  for  the 
sufferings  of  the  ladies.  The  cadets  said  nothing  ;  but 
stared  so  much  at  Isabel  Revel,  that  she  dropped  her 
veil. 

The  ladies  had  been  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour  on  deck, 
when  the  sun,  which  had  not  shown  itself  for  two  days, 
gleamed  through  the  clouds.  Newton,  who  was  officer  of 
the  watch,  and  had  been  accustomed,  when  with  Mr 
Berecroft,  to  work  a  chronometer,  interrupted  the  captain, 
who  was  leaning  on  the  carronade,  talking  to  Mrs 
Ferguson. 

**  The  sun  is  out,  and  the  horizon  pretty  clear,  sir  :  you 
may  have  sights  for  the  chronometers." 

**  Yes,  indeed,"  said  the  captain,  looking  up;  "be 
quick,  and  fetch  my  sextant.  You'll  excuse  me,  ladies, 
but  the  chronometers  must  be  attended  to." 

"  In  preference  to  us,  Captain  Drawlock  ? — Fie,  for 
shame  !  "  replied  Mrs  Ferguson. 

*'  Why,  not  exactly,"  replied  the  captain,  "  not  exactly ; 
but  the  fact  is,  that  the  sun  may  go  in  again." 

"  And  we  can  stay  out,   I  presume  ? "  replied  Isabel, 


232  Newton  Forster;  or, 

laughing.  "I  think,  Mrs  Ferguson,  we  ought  to  go  in 
too." 

**  But,  my  dear  young  lady,  if  the  sun  goes  in,  I  shall 
not  get  a  sight !  " 

"  And  if  we  go  in,  you  will  not  get  a  sight  either," 
replied  Mrs  Ferguson. 

"  Between  the  two,  sir,"  observed  Newton,  handing 
Captain  Drawlock  liis  sextant,  "  you  stand  a  chance  of 
losing  both.     There's  no  time  to  spare ;  I'm  all  ready." 

Captain  Drawlock  walked  to  the  break  of  the  gangways, 
so  far  concealed  from  the  ladies  that  they  could  not 
perceive  that  he  was  looking  through  his  sextant,  the  use 
of  which  they  did  not  comprehend,  having  never  seen  one 
before.  Newton  stood  at  the  capstern,  with  his  eyes 
fixed  on  the  watch. 

"  Captain  Drawlock,"  said  Mrs  Ferguson,  calling  to 
him,  "  allow  me  to  observe " 

"  Stopj''  cried  Captain  Drawlock,  in  a  loud  voice. 
Newton,  to  whom  this  was  addressed,  noted  the  time. 

"  Good  heavens  !  what  can  be  the  matter ; "  said  Mrs 
Ferguson,  with  astonishment,  to  those  near  her ;  "  how 
excessively  rude  of  Captain  Drawlock  ; — what  can  it  be  ?  " 
continued  she,  addressing  the  colonel,  who  had  rejoined 
them. 

**  Really,  madam,  I  cannot  tell ;  but  it  is  my  duty  to 
inquire,"  replied  the  colonel,  who,  going  up  to  Captain 
Drawlock,  commenced — "  Have  the  ladies  already  so  fallen 
in  your  estimation " 

**  Forty  degrees ! "  cried  Captain  Drawlock,  who  was 
intent  upon  his  sextant.     "  Excuse  me,  sir,  just  now." 

"  When  will  you  be  at  leisure,  sir  ? "  resumed  the 
colonel,  haughtily. 

"  Twenty-six  minutes,"  continued  the  captain,  reading 
off  his  sextant. 

"  A  little  sooner,  I  should  hope,  sir,"  retorted  the  colonel. 

"  Forty-five  seconds." 

"  This  is  really  quite  insufferable  !  Miss  Revel,  we 
had  better  go  in." 


The  Merchant  Service  233 

"  Stop !  **  again  cried  Captain  Drawlock,  in  a  loud  voice. 

**  Stop  !  "  repeated  Mrs  Ferguson,  angrily  j  "  surely  we 
are  not  slaves." 

Newton,  who  heard  what  was  passing,  could  not  repress 
his  laughter. 

"  Indeed,  I  am  sure  there  must  be  some  mistake,  Mrs 
Ferguson,"  observed  Isabel.     "  Wait  a  little." 

"  Forty-six  minutes,  thirty  seconds,"  again  read  off  the 
captain.  **  Capital  sights  both  !  but  the  sun  is  behind  that 
dark  cloud,  and  we  shall  have  no  more  of  his  presence." 

"  Nor  of  ours,  I  assure  you,  sir,"  said  Mrs  Ferguson, 
rising,  as  Captain  Drawlock  walked  from  the  gangway 
to  the  capstern. 

**  Why,  my  dear  madam,  what  is  the  matter  ?'* 

"We  have  not  been  accustomed  to  such  peremptory 
language,  sir.  It  may  be  the  custom  on  board  ship  to 
holla  *  stop  *  to  ladies  when  they  address  you,  or  express 
a  wish  to  leave  the  deck." 

"  My  dearest  madam,  I  do  assure  you,  upon  my  honour, 
that  you  are  under  a  mistake.  I  ordered  Mr  Forster  to 
stop,  not  you." 

"  Mr  Forster !  "  replied  the  lady  ;  "  why,  he  was 
standing  still  the  whole  time !  " 

It  was  not  until  the  whole  system  of  taking  sights  for 
chronometers  had  been  satisfactorily  explained,  that  the 
lady  recovered  her  good-humour.  While  the  captain  was 
thus  employed  with  Mrs  Ferguson,  Newton,  although  it 
was  not  necessary,  explained  the  mystery  to  Miss  Revel, 
who,  with  Mrs  Ferguson,  soon  after  quitted  the  deck. 

The  sights  taken  proved  the  ship  to  be  to  the  eastward 
of  her  reckoning.  The  other  ships  in  company  had  made 
the  same  discovery,  and  the  course  was  altered  one  quarter 
of  a  point.  In  two  days  they  dropped  their  anchor  in 
Funchal  Roads. 

But  I  must  for  a  little  while  recross  the  Bay  of  Biscay, 
and,  with  my  reader,  look  into  the  chambers  of  Mr  John 
Forster. 


234  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter  XXXIII 

"Look 
Upon  this  child — I  saved  her,  must  not  leave 
Her  life  to  chance ;  but  point  me  out  some  nook 
Of  safety,  where  she  less  may  shrink  and  grieve. 

This  child,  who  parentless,  is  therefore  mine." 

Byron. 

A  FEW  minutes  after  Newton  had  quitted  the  chambers 
of  his  uncle,  the  clerk  made  his  appearance,  announcing 
to  Mr  John  Forster  that  a  gentleman  requested  to  speak 
to  him. 

**  I  asked  the  gentleman's  name,  sir,"  observed  the 
clerk,  shutting  to  the  door,  "but  he  did  not  choose  to 
give  it.     He  has  a  little  girl  with  him." 

"  Very  well,  Scratton,  the  little  girl  cannot  concern 
me,"  replied  the  old  lawyer;  "ask  him  to  walk  in;" — 
and  he  again  conned  over  the  brief,  not  choosing  to  lose 
the  minute  which  might  elapse  before  he  was  again  to 
be  interrupted.  The  door  was  reopened,  and  Edward 
Forster,  with  Amber  holding  him  by  the  hand,  entered 
the  room. 

"  Your  servant,  sir.  Scratton,  a  chair — two  chairs, 
Scratton.     I  beg  your  pardon,  young  lady." 

When  the  clerk  had  retired,  Mr  John  Forster  com- 
menced as  usual. — "  Now,  sir,  may  I  request  the  favour 
of  asking  your  business  with  me  ?  " 

"  You  do  not  recollect  me  ;  nor  am  I  surprised  at  it, 
as  it  is  fifteen  years  since  we  last  met.  Time  and  suffer- 
ing, which  have  worn  me  to  a  skeleton,  have  also  worn 
out  the  remembrance  of  a  brother.  I  am  Edward 
Forster." 

"  Edward  Forster  ! — humph  !  Well,  I  did  not  recollect 
you;  but  Fm  very  glad  to  see  you,  brother.  Very 
strange — never  have  heard  of  one  of  my  family  for  years, 
and  now  they  all  turn  up  at  once !     No  sooner  get  rid 


The  Merchant  Service  2^$ 

of  one,  than  up  starts  another.  Nicholas  came  from  the 
Lord  knows  where,  the  other  day." 

Edward  Forster,  who  was  better  acquainted  with  his 
brother's  character  than  Newton,  took  no  notice  of  the 
abruptness  of  his  remarks,  but  replied  : 

"  Nicholas  !  Is  he,  then,  alive  ?  I  shall  be  delighted 
to  see  him." 

"  Humph ! "  replied  John,  **  I  was  delighted  to  get 
rid  of  him.  Take  care  of  your  watch  or  spectacles 
when  you  meet  him." 

"  Indeed,  brother  !     I  trust  he  is  not  such  a  character." 

**  But  he  is  a  character,  I  can  tell  you  ;  not  what  you 
suppose — he's  honest  enough.  Let  me  see — if  my  memory 
serves  me,  brother  Edward,  we  last  met  when  you  were 

passing  through  London  on  your  way  to ,  having  been 

invalided,  and  having  obtained  a  pension  of  forty  pounds 
per  annum  for  a  severe  wound  received  in  action.  And 
pray,  brother,  where  have  you  been  ever  since  ?  " 

**  At  the  same  spot,  from  which  I  probably  never  should 
have  been  induced  to  remove,  had  it  not  been  for  the  sake 
of  this  little  girl  who  is  now  with  me." 

"  And  pray  who  may  be  that  little  girl  ?  Is  she  your 
daughter  ? " 

'*  Only  by  adoption." 

"  Humph,  brother  !  for  a  half-pay  lieutenant,  that 
appears  rather  an  expensive  whim ! — bad  enough  to  main- 
tain children  of  our  own  begetting." 

"  You  say  true,"  replied  Edward ;  "  but  if  in  this  in- 
stance I  have  incurred  an  expense  and  responsibility,  it 
must  be  considered  to  be  more  my  misfortune  than  my 
fault."  Edward  Forster  then  entered  into  the  particulars 
connected  with  Amber's  rescue.  *'  You  must  acknowledge, 
brother  John,"  observed  Edward,  as  he  closed  his  narrative, 
**  that  I  could  not  well  have  acted  otherwise ;  you  would 
not  yourself." 

**  Humph  !  I  don't  know  that ;  but  this  I  do  know,  that 
you  had  better  have  stayed  at  home  !  " 

"Perhaps  so,  considering  the  forlorn  prospects  of  the 


2^6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

child ;  but  we  must  not  judge.  The  same  Providence 
which  willed  that  she  should  be  so  miraculously  saved  also 
willed  that  I  should  be  her  protector ; — why  otherwise  did 
the  dog  lay  her  at  my  feet  ?  " 

"  Because  it  had  been  taught  to  *  fetch  and  carry,'  I 
suppose  :  but  however,  brother  Edward,  I  have  no  right 
to  question  your  conduct.  If  the  girl  is  as  good  as  she  is 
pretty,  why  all  the  better  for  her;  but,  as  I  am  rather 
busy,  let  me  ask  if  you  have  any  more  to  say  to 
me  ? " 

"  I  have,  John ;  and  the  discourse  we  have  had  is  pre- 
liminary, I  am  here  with  a  child,  forced  upon  me  I  may 
say,  but  still  as  dear  to  me  as  if  she  were  mine  own.  You 
must  be  aware  that  I  have  nothing  but  my  pension  and 
half-pay  to  subsist  upon.  I  can  save  nothing.  My  health 
is  undermined  and  my  life  precarious.  Last  winter  I  never 
expected  to  quit  my  bed  again  j  and,  as  I  lay  in  it,  the 
thought  naturally  occurred  of  the  forlorn  and  helpless 
state  in  which  this  poor  little  girl  would  be  in  case  of  my 
decease.  In  a  lonely  cottage,  without  money — without 
family  or  friends  to  apply  to — without  anyone  near  her 
being  made  acquainted  with  her  unfortunate  history,  what 
would  have  become  of  her  ?  It  was  this  reflection  which 
determined  me,  if  my  life  was  spared,  as  soon  as  my  health 
would  permit,  to  come  to  you,  the  only  relative  I  was 
certain  of  still  having  in  the  world,  that  I  might  acquaint 
you  with  her  existence,  and,  with  her  history,  confide  to 
you  the  few  articles  of  dress  which  she  wore  when 
rescued,  and  which  may  eventually  lead  to  her  recognition 
— a  case  of  extreme  doubt  and  difficulty,  I  grant ;  but  the 
ways  of  Providence  are  mysterious,  and  her  return  to  the 
arms  of  her  friends  will  not  be  more  wonderful  than  her 
preservation  on  that  dreadful  night.  Brother  !  I  never 
have  applied  to  you  in  my  own  behalf,  although  conscious 
how  ample  are  your  means — and  I  never  will ;  but  I  do 
now  plead  in  favour  of  this  dear  child.  Worn  out  as  I  am, 
my  pilgrimage  on  earth  can  be  but  short ;  and  if  you  would 
smooth  the  pillow  of  a  dying  brother,  promise  him  now 


The  Merchant  Service 


'^Zl 


that  you  will  extend  your  bounty  to  this  poor  orphan, 
when  I'm  no  more  !  " 

Edward  Forster's  voice  was  tremulous  at  the  close  of  his 
appeal,  and  his  brother  appeared  to  be  affected.  There 
was  a  silence  of  a  minute,  when  the  customary  "  humph  !  " 
was  ejaculated,  and  John  Forster  then  continued :  "  A 
very  foolish  business,  brother — very  foolish,  indeed. 
When  Nicholas  and  his  son  came  here  the  other  day  and 
applied  to  me — why  it  was  all  very  well — there  was  re- 
lationship J  but  really,  to  put  another  man's  child  upon 
me  ! 

"  Not  while  it  pleases  heaven  to  spare  my  life,  brother." 

"  *  May  you  live  a  thousand  years  ! '  then,  as  the 
Spanish  say  j  but,  however,  brother  Edward,  as  you  say, 
the  poor  thing  must  not  starve  ;  so,  if  I  am  to  take  care  of 
a  child  of  another  man's  begetting,  as  soon  as  you  are  dead, 
I  can  only  say,  it  will  very  much  increase  my  sorrow 
at  your  loss.  Come  here,  little  one :  What's  your 
name  ? " 

"  Amber,  sir." 

"  Amber  !   who  the  devil  gave  you  that  fool's  name  ?  " 

"  I  did,  brother,"  replied  Edward ;  **  I  thought  it 
appropriate." 

"  Humph  !  really  can't  see  why.  Why  did  you  not  call 
her  Sukey,  or  some  name  fit  for  a  Christian  ?  Amber  ! 
Amber's  a  gum,  is  it  not  ?  Stop,  let's  see  what  Johnson 
says." 

The  lawyer  went  to  a  case  of  books  which  were  in  the 
next  room,  and  returned  with  a  quarto. 

"Now,"  said  he,  seating  himself;  "AG — AL — AM — 
Ambassador — Ambassadress — Amber  ! — humph  !  here  it 
is,  *  A  yellow,  transparent  substance  of  a  gummous  or 
bituminous  consistence,  but  of  a  resinous  taste,  and  a  smell 
like  oil  of  turpentine  ;  chiefly  found  in  the  Baltic  sea  or  the 
coast  of  Prussia.'  Humph  !  *  Some  have  imagined  it  to 
consist  of  the  tears  of  birds  j  others  the  ' — humph  ! — *  of  a 
beast ;  others  the  scum  of  the  Lake  Cephesis,  near  the 
Atlantic  5  others  a  congelation  in  some  fountains,  where  it 


23?  Newton  Forster;  or, 

is  found  swimming  like  pitch.'  Really,  brother,"  con- 
tinued the  lawyer,  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  little  girl,  and 
shutting  the  book,  "  I  can't  see  the  analogy." 

"  Be  her  godfather,  my  dear  brother,  and  call  her  any 
name  you  please." 

"  Humph  ! " 

"Pray,  papa,"  said  Amber,  turning  to  Edward  Forster, 
**  What's  the  meaning  of  '  humph '  ?  " 

"  Humph ! "  repeated  the  lawyer,  looking  hard  at 
Amber. 

"  It  implies  yes  or  no,  as  it  may  be,"  replied  Edward 
Forster,  smiling. 

**I  never  heard  anyone  say  it  before,  papa.  You're  not 
angry  with  me,  sir  ?  "  continued  Amber,  turning  round  to 
John  Forster. 

"  No,  not  angry,  little  girl ;  but  I'm  too  busy  to  talk  to 
you — or  indeed  with  you,  brother  Edward.  Have  you 
anything  more  to  say  ?  " 

"  Nothing,  my  dear  brother,  if  I  have  your  promise." 

**  Well,  you  have  it ;  but  what  am  I  to  do  with  her, 
God  only  knows  !  I  wish  you  had  kept  better  hours. 
You  mentioned  some  clothes  which  might  identify  her  to 
her  relations  ;  pray  let  me  have  them  ;  for  I  shall  have 
the  greatest  pleasure  in  restoring  her  to  them,  as  soon  as 
possible,  after  she  is  once  in  my  hands." 

"  Here  they  are,  brother,"  replied  Edward,  taking  a  small 
packet  from  his  coat-pocket ;  **  you  had  better  take  charge 
of  them  now  ;  and  may  God  bless  you  for  having  relieved 
my  mind  from  so  heavy  a  load  ! " 

"  Humph  !  by  taking  it  on  my  own  shoulders,"  muttered 
John,  as  he  walked  to  the  iron  safe,  to  deposit  the  packet 
of  linen  ;  then  returning  to  the  table,  "  Have  you  anything 
more  to  say,  brother  ?  " 

"  Only  to  ask  you  where  I  may  find  my  brother 
Nicholas  ? " 

**  That  I  can't  tell ;  my  nephew  told  me  somewhere 
down  the  river  ;  but  it's  a  long  way  from  here  to  the 
Nore.  Nephew's  a  fine  lad ;  I  sent  him  oiF  to  the  East 
Indies." 


The  Merchant  Service  239 

"  I  am  sorry  then  that  I  have  no  chance  of  seeing  him  : 
— but  you  are  busy,  brother  ?  " 

"I  have  told  you  so  three  times,  as  plain  as  I  could  speak !" 

"  I  will  no  longer  trepass  on  your  time.  We  return 
home  to-morrow  morning  ;  and,  as  I  cannot  expect  ever 
to  see  you  again,  God  bless  you,  my  dear  John !  and  fare- 
well, I  am  afraid  I  may  say,  in  this  world  at  least,  farewell 
for  ever  ! " 

Edward  held  out  his  hand  to  his  brother.  It  was  taken 
with  considerable  emotion.  "  Farewell,  brother,  farewell ! 
— ril  not  forget," 

"  Good-bye,  sir,"  said  Amber,  going  close  up  to  John 
Forster. 

"  Good-bye,  my  little  girl,"  replied  he,  looking  earnestly 
in  her  face  ;  and  then,  as  if  thawing  towards  her,  as  he 
scanned  her  beautiful  and  expressive  features,  removing 
his  spectacles  and  kissing  her,  "  Good-bye." 

"  Oh  !  papa,"  cried  Amber,  as  she  went  out  of  the  room, 
**  he  kissed  me  !  " 

"  Humph  !  "  said  John  Forster,  as  the  door  closed  upon 
them. 

The  spectacles  were  put  on,  and  the  reading  of  the  brief 
immediately  continued. 


Chapter   XXXIV 

"  Strickland — ^These  doings  in  my  house  distract  me. 

I  met  a  fine  gentleman ;  when  I  inquired  who 
He  was — why,  he  came  to  Clarinda.     I  met 
A  footman  too,  and  he  came  to  Clarinda. 
My  wife  had  the  character  of  a  virtuous 

Woman .» 

«  Suspicious  Husband." 

"  Let  us  no  more  contend 
Each  other,  blamed  enough  elsewhere,  but  strive 
In  offices  of  love,  how  we  may  lighten 
Each  other's  burden  in  our  share  of  woe." 

Milton. 

I  DO  not  know  a  spot  on  the  globe  which  astonishes  and 
delights,  upon  your  first  landing,  as  the  island  of  Madeira. 


240  Newton  Forster;  or, 

The  voyager  embarks,  and  is  in  all  probability  confined 
to  his  cabin,  suffering  under  the  dreadful  protraction  of 
sea-sickness.  Perhaps  he  has  left  England  in  the  gloomy 
close  of  the  autumn,  or  the  frigid  concentration  of  an 
English  winter.  In  a  week,  or  even  in  a  shorter  period, 
he  again  views  that  terra  jirma  which  he  had  quitted  with 
regret,  and  which  in  his  sufferings  he  would  have  given 
half  that  he  possessed  to  regain. 

When  he  lands  upon  the  island,  what  a  change  !  Winter 
has  become  summer,  the  naked  trees  which  he  left  are 
exchanged  for  the  most  luxuriant  and  varied  foliage,  snow 
and  frost  for  warmth  and  splendour  j  the  scenery  of  the 
temperate  zone  for  the  profusion  and  magnificence  of  the 
tropics ;  fruit  which  he  had  never  before  seen,  supplies 
for  the  table  unknown  to  him ;  a  bright  sky,  a  glowing 
sun,  hills  covered  with  vines,  a  deep-blue  sea,  a  picturesque 
and  novel  costume ;  all  meet  and  delight  the  eye,  just  at 
the  precise  moment  when  to  have  been  landed,  even  upon 
a  barren  island,  would  have  been  considered  as  a  luxury. 
Add  to  all  this,  the  unbounded  hospitality  of  the  English 
residents,  a  sojourn  too  short  to  permit  satiety  j  and  then 
is  it  to  be  wondered  that  the  island  of  Madeira  is  a  "  green 
spot "  in  the  memory  of  all  those  who  land  there,  or  that 
they  quit  it  with  regret  ? 

The  Bombay  Castle  had  not  been  two  hours  at  anchor 
before  the  passengers  had  availed  themselves  of  an  invita- 
tion from  one  of  the  English  residents,  and  were  quartered 
in  a  splendid  house,  which  looked  upon  a  square  and  one 
of  the  principal  churches  in  the  city  of  Funchal.  While 
the  gentlemen  amused  themselves,  at  the  extensive  range 
of  windows,  with  the  novelty  of  the  scene,  and  the  ladies 
retired  to  their  apartments  to  complete  the  hasty  toilet  of 
their  disembarkation.  Captain  Drawlock  was  very  busy 
in  the  counting-house  below,  with  the  master  of  the 
house.  There  were  so  many  pipes  of  Madeira  for  the 
Honourable  Company ;  so  many  for  the  directors'  private 
cellars,  besides  many  other  commissions  for  friends,  which 
Captain  Drawlock  had  undertaken  to  execute  5  for  at  that 


The  Merchant  Service  241 

period  Madeira  wine  had  not  been  so  calumniated  as  it 
latterly  has  been. 

A  word  upon  this  subject.  I  am  a  mortal  enemy  to 
every  description  of  humbug ;  and  I  believe  there  is  as 
much  in  the  medical  world  as  in  any  other.  Madeira  wine 
had  for  a  century  been  in  high  and  deserved  reputation, 
when  on  a  sudden  some  fashionable  physician  discovers 
that  it  contained  more  acid  than  sherry.  Whether  he  was 
a  sleeping  partner  in  some  Spanish  house,  or  whether  he 
had  received  a  present  of  a  few  pipes  of  sherry  that  he 
might  turn  the  scale  of  public  favour  towards  that  wine, 
I  know  not ;  but  certain  it  is,  that  it  became  fashionable 
with  all  medical  gentlemen  to  prescribe  sherry  •,  and  when 
once  anything  becomes  fashionable,  cest  wie  affaire  decidee.    ■ 

I  do  not  pretend  to  be  much  of  a  pathologist ;  but  on 

reading  Mr  F 's  analysis  on   the   component   parts  of 

wine,  I  observed  that  in  one  hundred  parts  there  are 
perhaps  twenty-two  parts  of  acid  in  Madeira,  and  nineteen 
in  sherry ;  so  that,  in  fact,  if  you  reduce  your  glass  of 
Madeira  wine  just  one  sip  in  quantity,  you  will  imbibe  no 
more  acid  than  in  a  full  glass  of  sherry  ;  and  when  we 
consider  the  variety  of  acids  in  sugar  and  other  compounds, 
which  abound  in  culinary  preparations,  the  fractional 
quantity  upon  which  has  been  grounded  the  abuse  of 
Madeira  wine  appears  to  be  most  ridiculous. 

But  if  not  a  pathologist,  I  have  a  most  decided  know- 
ledge of  what  is  good  wine  ;  and  if  the  gout  should  some 
day  honour  me  with  a  visit,  I  shall  at  least  have  the 
consolation  to  know  that  I  have  by  potation  most  honestly 
earned  it. 

But  allowing  that  the  medical  gentlemen  are  correct, 
still  their  good  intentions  are  frustrated  by  the  knavery 
of  the  world ;  and  the  result  of  their  prescriptions  is  that 
people  drink  much  more  acid  than  they  did  before.  I  do 
every  justice  to  good  old  sherry  when  it  does  make  its 
appearance  at  table  j  it  is  a  noble  wine  when  aged  and 
unsophisticated  from  its  youth ;  but  for  once  that  you 
meet  with  it  genuine,  you  are  twenty  times  disappointed. 

F  a 


^242  Newton  Forster;  or, 

When  Madeira  wine  was  in  vogue,  the  island  could  not 
produce  the  quantity  required  for  consumption,  and  the 
vintage  from  the  north  side  of  the  island,  or  of  TenerifFe, 
was  substituted.  This  adulteration  no  doubt  was  one 
cause  of  its  losing  its  well-established  reputation.  But 
Madeira  wine  has  a  quality  which  in  itself  proves  its 
superiority  over  all  other  wines — namely,  that  although 
no  other  wine  can  be  passed  off  as  Madeira,  yet  with 
Madeira  the  wine-merchants  may  imitate  any  other  wine 
that  is  in  demand.  What  is  the  consequence  ?  that 
Madeira,  not  being  any  longer  in  request  as  Madeira 
now  that  sherry  is  the  "  correct  thing,"  and  there  not 
being  sufficient  of  the  latter  to  meet  the  increased  demand, 
most  of  the  wine  vended  as  sherry  is  made  from  the 
inferior  Madeira  wines.  Reader,  if  you  have  ever  been  in 
Spain,  you  may  have  seen  the  Xerez  or  sherry  wine 
brought  from  the  mountains  to  be  put  into  the  cask.  A 
raw  goat-skin,  with  the  neck-part  and  the  four  legs  sewed 
up,  forms  a  leathern  bag,  containing  perhaps  from  fifteen 
to  twenty  gallons.  This  is  the  load  of  one  man,  who 
brings  it  down  on  his  shoulder  exposed  to  the  burning 
rays  of  the  sun.  When  it  arrives,  it  is  thrown  down  on 
the  sand,  to  swelter  in  the  heat  with  the  rest,  and  remains 
there  probably  for  days  before  it  is  transferred  into  the  cask. 
It  is  this  proceeding  which  gives  to  sherry  that  peculiar 
leather  twang  which  distinguishes  it  from  other  wines — 
a  twang  easy  to  imitate  by  throwing  into  a  cask  of  Cape 
wine  a  pair  of  old  boots,  and  allowing  them  to  remain  a 
proper  time.  Although  the  public  refuse  to  drink  Madeira 
as  Madeira,  they  are  in  fact  drinking  it  in  every  way 
disguised — as  port,  as  sherry,  &c. ;  and  it  is  a  well-known 
fact  that  the  poorer  wines  from  the  north  side  of  the  island 
are  landed  in  the  London  Docks,  and  shipped  off  to  the 
Continent,  from  whence  they  reappear  in  bottles  as 
"  peculiarly  fine  flavoured  hock  !  " 

Now,  as  it  is  only  the  indifferent  wines  which  are  thus 
turned  into  sherry, — and  the  more  inferior  the  wine,  the 
more  acid  it  contains, — I  think  I  have  made  out  a  clear 


The  Merchant  Service  243 

case  that  people  are  drinking  more  acid  than  they  did 
before  this  wonderful  discovery  of  the  medical  gentlemen, 
who  have  for  some  years  led  the  public  by  the  nose. 

There  are,  however,  some  elderly  persons  of  my  ac- 
quaintance who  are  not  to  be  dissuaded  from  drinking 
Madeira,  but  who  continue  to  destroy  themselves  by  the 
use  of  this  acid,  which  perfumes  the  room  when  the  cork 
is  extracted.  I  did  represent  to  one  of  them  that  it  was  a 
species  of  suicide,  after  what  the  doctors  had  discovered  ; 
but  he  replied,  in  a  very  gruff  tone  of  voice,  "  May  be, 
sir  ;  but  you  can't  teach  an  old  dog  new  tricks  !  " 

I  consider  that  the  public  ought  to  feel  very  much 
indebted  to  me  for  this  expose.  Madeira  wine  is  very  low, 
while  sherry  is  high  in  price.  They  have  only  to  purchase 
a  cask  of  Madeira  and  flavour  it  with  Wellington  boots  or 
ladies'  slippers,  as  it  may  suit  their  palates.  The  former 
will  produce  the  high-coloured,  the  latter  the  pale  sherry. 
Further,  I  consider  that  the  merchants  of  Madeira  are 
bound  to  send  me  a  letter  of  thanks,  with  a  pipe  of  Bual 
to  prove  its  sincerity.  Now  I  recollect  Stoddart  did 
promise  me  some  wine  when  he  was  last  in  England ;  but 
I  suppose  he  has  forgotten  it. 

But  from  the  produce  I  must  return  to  the  island  and 
my  passengers.  The  first  day  of  their  arrival  they  ate 
their  dinner,  took  their  coffee,  and  returned  to  bed  early 
to  enjoy  a  comfortable  night  after  so  many  of  constant 
pitching  and  tossing.  The  next  morning  the  ladies  were 
much  better,  and  received  the  visits  of  all  the  captains  of 
the  India  ships,  and  also  of  the  captain  of  the  frigate  who 
escorted  them. 

The  officers  of  the  Bofnhay  Castle  had  been  invited  to 
dinner ;  and  the  first  mate  not  being  inclined  to  leave  the 
ship,  Newton  had  for  one  accepted  the  invitation.  On  his 
arrival,  he  discovered  in  the  captain  of  the  frigate  his 
former  acquaintance.  Captain  Carrington,  in  whose  ship  he 
had  obtained  a  passage  from  the  West  Indies,  and  who,  on 
the  former  being  paid  off,  had  been  appointed  to  the 
command  of  the  Boadicea.     Captain    Carrington  was  de- 


244  Newton  Forster;  or, 

lighted  to  meet  Newton  ;  and  the  attention  which  he  paid  to 
him,  added  to  the  encomiums  bestowed  when  Newton  was 
out  of  hearing,  raised  him  very  high  in  the  opinion,  not 
only  of  Captain  Drawlock,  but  also  in  the  estimation  of  the 
ladies.  At  the  request  of  Captain  Carrington,  Newton 
was  allowed  to  remain  on  shore  till  their  departure  from 
the  island ;  and  from  this  circumstance  he  became  more 
intimate  with  the  ladies  than  he  would  in  all  probability 
have  otherwise  been  in  the  whole  course  of  the  voyage. 
"We  must  pass  over  the  gallop  up  to  Nostra  Senhora  da 
Monte, — an  expedition  opposed  by  Captain  Drawlock  on 
the  score  of  his  responsibility ;  but  he  was  overruled  by 
Captain  Carrington,  who  declared  that  Newton  and  he 
were  quite  sufficient  convoy.  We  must  pass  over  the 
many  compliments  paid  to  Isabel  Revel  by  Captain 
Carrington,  who  appeared  desperately  in  love  after  an 
acquaintance  of  four-and-twenty  hours,  and  who  dis- 
covered a  defect  in  the  Boadicea  which  would  occupy  two 
or  three  days  to  make  good,  that  he  might  be  longer  in 
her  company  ;  but  we  will  not  pass  over  one  circumstance 
which  occurred  during  their  week's  sojourn  at  this  delight- 
ful island. 

A  certain  Portuguese  lady  of  noble  birth  had  been  left 
a  widow  with  two  daughters,  and  a  fine  estate  to  share 
between  them.  The  daughters  were  handsome  j  but  the 
estate  was  so  much  handsomer  that  it  set  all  the  mandolins 
of  the  Portuguese  inamoratos  strumming  under  the  windows 
of  the  lady's  abode  from  sunset  to  the  dawn  of  day. 

Now,  it  did  so  occur,  that  a  young  English  clerk  in  a 
mercantile  house,  who  had  a  fresh  complexion  and  a  clean 
shirt  to  boast  of  (qualifications  unknown  to  the  Portuguese), 
won  the  heart  of  the  eldest  daughter ;  and  the  old  lady, 
who  was  not  a  very  strict  Catholic,  gave  her  consent  to 
this  heretical  union.  The  Catholic  priests,  who  had  long 
been  trying  to  persuade  the  old  lady  to  shut  up  her 
daughters  in  a  convent,  and  endow  the  church  with  her 
property,  expressed  a  holy  indignation  at  the  intended 
marriage.      The   Portuguese   gentlemen,  who   could   not 


The  Merchant  Service  245 

brook  the  idea  of  so  many  fair  hills  of  vines  going  away  to 
a  stranger,  were  equally  indignant :  in  short,  the  whole 
Portuguese  population  of  the  island  were  in  arms  ;  but 
the  old  lady,  who  had  always  contrived  to  have  her  way 
before  her  husband's  death,  was  not  inclined  to  be 
thwarted  now  that  she  was  her  own  mistress ;  and,  not- 
withstanding threats  and  expostulations  from  all  quarters, 
she  awaited  but  the  arrival  of  an  English  man-of-war  that 
the  ceremony  might  be  performed,  there  being  at  that  time 
no  Protestant  clergyman  on  the  island ;  for  the  reader 
must  know  that  a  marriage  on  board  of  a  king's  ship,  by 
the  captain,  duly  entered  in  the  log-book,  is  considered  as 
valid  as  if  the  ceremony  were  performed  by  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Canterbury. 

I  once  married  a  couple  on  board  of  a  little  ten-gun 
brig  of  which  I  condescended  to  take  the  command,  to 
oblige  the  first  lord  of  the  Admiralty  •,  offered,  I  believe, 
to  provide  for  me,  and  rid  the  Board  of  all  future  solicita- 
tions for  employment  or  promotion. 

It  was  one  of  my  sailors,  who  had  come  to  a  determina- 
tion to  make  an  honest  woman  of  Poll  and  an  ass  of  himself 
at  one  and  the  same  time.  The  ceremony  took  place  on 
the  quarter-deck.  "  Who  gives  this  woman  away  ?  "  said 
I,  with  due  emphasis,  according  to  the  ritual.  "I  do," 
cried  the  boatswain,  in  a  gruff  voice,  taking  the  said  lady 
by  the  arm  and  shoving  her  towards  me,  as  if  he  thought 
her  not  worth  keeping.  Everything  went  on  seriously, 
nevertheless.  The  happy  pair  were  kneeHng  down  on  the 
union-jack,  which  had  been  folded  on  the  deck  in  con- 
sideration of  the  lady's  knees,  and  I  was  in  the  middle  of 
the  blessing,  when  two  pigs,  which  we  had  procured  at 
St  Jago's,  being  then  off  that  island  (creatures  more  like 
English  pigs  on  stilts  than  anything  else,  unless  you  could 
imagine  a  cross  between  a  pig  and  a  greyhound),  in  the 
lightness  of  their  hearts  and  happy  ignorance  of  their  doom, 
took  a  frisk,  as  you  often  see  pigs  do  on  shore,  commenced 
a  run  from  forward  right  aft,  and  galloping  to  the  spot 
where  we  were  all  collected,  rushed  against  the  two  just 


246  Newton  Forsterj  or, 

made  one,  destroying  their  centre  of  gravity,  and  upsetting 
them ;  and,  indeed,  destroying  the  gravity  and  upsetting  the 
seriousness  of  myself  and  the  whole  of  the  ship's  company. 
The  lady  recovered  her  legs,  d — d  the  pigs,  and,  taking 
her  husband's  arm,  hastened  down  the  hatchway  ;  so  that 
I  lost  the  kiss  to  which  I  was  entitled  for  my  services.  I 
consoled  myself  by  the  reflection  that,  "  please  the  pigs," 
I  might  be  more  fortunate  the  next  time  that  I  officiated  in 
my  clerical  capacity.  This  is  a  digression,  I  grant,  but  I 
cannot  help  it ;  it  is  the  nature  of  man  to  digress.  Who 
can  say  that  he  has  through  life  kept  in  the  straight  path  ? 
This  is  a  world  of  digression  ;  and  I  beg  that  critics  will 
take  no  notice  of  mine,  as  I  have  an  idea  that  my  digres- 
sions in  this  work  are  as  agreeable  to  my  readers,  as  my 
digressions  in  life  have  been  agreeable  to  myself. 

When  Captain  Carrington  anchored  with  his  convoy  in 
Funchal  roads,  immediate  application  was  made  by  the 
parties  for  the  ceremony  to  be  performed  on  board  of  his 
ship.  It  is  true  that,  as  Mr  Ferguson  had  arrived,  it 
might  have  taken  place  on  shore ;  but  it  was  considered 
advisable,  to  avoid  interruption  and  insult,  that  the  parties 
should  be  under  the  sanctuary  of  a  British  man-of-war. 
On  the  fourth  day  after  the  Boadicea^s  arrival,  the  ceremony 
was  performed  on  board  of  her  by  Mr  Ferguson ;  and 
the  passengers  of  the  Bombay^  residing    at   the   house  of 

Mr ,  who  was  an  intimate  friend  of  the  bridegroom, 

received  and  accepted  the  invitation  to  the  marriage-dinner. 
The  feast  was  splendid,  and  after  the  Portuguese  custom. 
The  first  course  was  boiled:  it  consisted  of  boiled  beef, 
boiled  mutton,  boiled  hams,  boiled  tongues,  boiled  bacon, 
boiled  fowls,  boiled  turkeys,  boiled  sausages,  boiled 
cabbages,  boiled  potatoes,  and  boiled  carrots.  Duplicates 
of  each  were  ranged  in  opposition,  until  the  table  groaned 
with  its  superincumbent  weight.  All  were  cut  up,  placed 
in  one  dish,  and  handed  round  to  the  guests.  When  they 
drank  wine,  every  glass  was  filled,  and  everybody  who 
filled  his  glass  was  expected  to  drink  the  health  of  every 
guest  separately  and  by  name  before  he  emptied  it.     The 


The  Merchant  Service  247 

first  course  was  removed,  and  the  second  made  its  appear- 
ance, all  roasted.  Roast  beef,  roast  veal,  roast  mutton, 
roast  lamb,  roast  joints  of  pork,  roasted  turkeys,  roasted 
fowls,  roasted  sausages,  roasted  everything ;  the  centre 
dish  being  a  side  of  a  large  hog,  rolled  up  like  an  enormous 
fillet  of  veal.  This,  too,  was  done  ample  justice  to  by  the 
Portuguese  part  of  the  company,  at  least  5  and  all  was 
cleared  away  for  the  dessert,  consisting  of  oranges,  melons, 
pine-apples,  guavas,  citrons,  bananas,  peaches,  strawberries, 
apples,  pears,  and,  indeed,  of  almost  every  fruit  which  can 
be  found  in  the  whole  world  ;  all  of  which  appear  to 
naturalise  themselves  at  Madeira.  It  was  now  supposed 
by  the  uninitiated  that  the  dinner  was  over  ;  but  not  so : 
the  dessert  was  cleared  away,  and  on  came  an  husteron 
proteron  medley  of  pies  and  puddings,  in  all  their  varieties, 
smoking  hot,  boiled  and  baked ;  custards  and  sweetmeats, 
cheese  and  olives,  fruits  of  all  kinds  preserved,  and  a 
hundred  other  things,  from  which  the  gods  preserve  us  ! 
At  last  the  feast  was  really  over — the  Portuguese  picked 
their  teeth  with  their  forks,  and  the  wine  was  circulated 
briskly.  On  such  an  occasion  as  the  marriage  of  her 
daughter,  the  old  lady  had  resolved  to  tap  a  pipe  of 
Madeira,  which  was,  at  the  very  least,  fifty  years  old,  very 
fine  in  flavour,  but,  from  having  been  so  long  in  the  wood, 
little  inferior  in  strength  to  genuine  Cognac.  The  con- 
sequence was  that  many  of  the  gentlemen  became  noisy 
before  the  dinner  was  over ;  and  their  mirth  was  increased 
to  positive  uproar  upon  a  message  being  sent  by  the  bishop, 
ordering,  upon  pain  of  excommunication,  that  the  ceremony 
should  proceed  no  further.  The  ladies  retired  to  the 
withdrawing-room :  the  gentlemen  soon  followed  ;  but  the 
effects  of  the  wine  were  so  apparent  upon  most  of  them 
that  Captain  Drawlock  summoned  Newton  to  his  assistance, 
and  was  in  a  state  of  extreme  anxiety  until  his  ''  responsi- 
bilities "  were  safe  at  home.  Shortly  afterwards,  Captain 
Carrington  and  those  who  were  the  least  affected,  by  per- 
suasion and  force,  removed  the  others  from  the  house ; 
and  the  bridal  party  were  left  to  themselves,  to  deliberate 


248  Newton  Forster;  or, 

whether  they  should  or  should  not  obey  the  preposterous 
demands  of  the  reverend  bishop. 

Captain  Carrington  was  excessively  fond  of  a  joke,  and 
never  lost  the  opportunity  when  it  occurred :  now,  it 
happened  that  in  the  party  invited  there  was  a  merchant 
of  the  name  of  Sullivan,  who,  upon  his  last  visit  to  England, 
had  returned  with  a  very  pretty,  and  at  the  same  time,  a 
very  coquettish  young  lady  as  his  wife.  It  happened,  in 
the  casualties  of  a  large  dinner  party,  that  the  old  colonel 
(EUice  was  his  name,  if  I  have  not  mentioned  it  before) 
was  seated  next  to  her,  and,  as  usual,  was  remarkably 
attentive.  Mr  Sullivan,  like  many  other  gentlemen,  was 
very  inattentive  to  his  wife,  and,  unlike  most  Irishmen, 
was  very  jealous  of  her.  The  very  marked  attention  of 
the  colonel  had  not  escaped  his  notice  ;  neither  did  his 
fidgeting  upon  this  occasion  escape  the  notice  of  those 
about  him,  who  were  aware  of  his  disposition.  The  poor 
colonel  was  one  of  those  upon  whose  brain  the  wine  had 
taken  the  most  effect  ;  and  it  was  not  until  after  sundry 
falls,  and  being  again  placed  upon  his  legs,  that  he  had  been 

conveyed  home  between  Captain  Carrington  and  Mr , 

the  merchant  at  whose  house  the  party  from  the  Bombay 
Castle  were  residing.  The  ensuing  morning  he  did  not 
make  his  appearance  at  breakfast ;  and  the  gentlemen  re- 
siding on  the  island,  commenting  upon  the  events  of  the 
evening  before,  declared  in  a  joking  way  that  they  should 
not  be  surprised  at  Mr  Sullivan  sending  him  a  challenge 
in  the  course  of  the  morning  ;  that  was,  if  he  was  up  so 
soon,  as  he  had  quitted  the  house  in  a  greater  state  of 
inebriety  than  even  the  colonel.  It  was  upon  this  hint  that 
Captain  Carrington  proposed  to  have  some  amusement ; 
and  having  arranged  it  with  one  of  the  junior  partners  of 
the  house,  he  went  into  the  room  of  the  colonel,  whom  he 
found  still  in  bed. 

"  Well,  colonel,  how  do  you  find  yourself?  "  said  Captain 
Carrington,  when  he  had  roused  him. 

"  Oh  !  very  bad,  indeed  :  my  head  is  ready  to  split ; 
never  felt    such  a  sensation   in  my  head   before,   except 


The  Merchant  Service 


249 


when  I  was  struck  with  a  spent  ball  at  the  battle 
of " 

"  I  am  very  sorry  for  your  headache,  colonel :  but  more 
sorry  that  the  wine  should  have  played  you  such  a  trick 
last  night." 

"  Trick,  indeed  !  "  replied  the  colonel ;  "  I  was  com- 
pletely overcome  •  I  do  not  recollect  a  word  that  passed 
after  I  quitted  the  dinner-table." 

**  Are  you  serious  ?  Do  you  not  recollect  the  scene  with 
Mrs  Sullivan  .?  " 

"  Mrs  Sullivan  !  My  dear  sir,  what  scene  ?  I  certainly 
paid  every  attention  due  to  a  very  pretty  woman  j  but  I  re- 
collect no  further." 

**  Not  the  scene  in  the  drawing-room  ? " 

"  God  bless  me  ! — No — I  do  not  even  recollect  ever 
going  into  the  drawing-room  !  Pray  tell  me  what  I  said 
or  did  :  I  hope  nothing  improper." 

"  Why,  that  depends  very  much  whether  the  lady  likes 
it  or  not ;  but  in  the  presence  of  so  many  people " 

"  Merciful  powers  !  Captain  Carrington,  pray  let  me 
know  at  once  what  folly  it  was  that  I  committed." 

**  Why,  really,  I  am  almost  ashamed  to  enter  into 
particulars  :  suffice  to  say,  that  you  used  most  unwarrant- 
able freedom  towards  her." 

"Is  it  possible?"  cried  the  colonel.  *'Now,  Captain 
Carrington,  are  you  not  joking  ?  " 

"  Ask  this  gentleman ;  he  was  present." 

The  assertion  of  the  captain  was  immediately  corro- 
borated, and  the  colonel  was  quite  aghast. 

*'  Excuse  me,  gentlemen,  I  will  run  immediately — that 
abominable  wine.  I  must  go  and  make  a  most  ample 
apology.  I  am  bound  to  do  it,  as  a  gentleman,  as  an 
officer,  and  as  a  man  of  honour." 

Captain  Carrington  and  his  confederate  quitted  the  room, 
satisfied  with  the  success  of  their  plot.  The  colonel  rose, 
and  soon  afterwards  made  his  appearance.  He  swallowed 
a  cup  of  coffee,  and  then  proceeded  on  his  visit,  to  make 
the  amende  honorable. 


250  Newton  Forster;  or, 

/ 

When  Mr  Sullivan  awoke  from  the  lethargy  produced 
from  the  stupefying  effects  of  the  wine,  he  tried  to  recollect 
the  circumstances  of  the  preceding  evening  ;  but  he  could 
trace  no  further  than  to  the  end  of  the  dinner,  after  which 
his  senses  had  been  overpowered.  All  that  he  could  call 
to  memory  was,  that  somebody  had  paid  great  attention  to 
his  wife,  and  that  what  had  passed  afterwards  was  unknown. 
This  occasioned  him  to  rise  in  a  very  jealous  humour  ;  and 
he  had  not  been  up  more  than  an  hour,  when  the  colonel 
sent  up  his  card,  requesting,  as  a  particular  favour,  that  the 
lady  would  admit  him. 

The  card  and  message  were  taken  by  the  servant  to 
Mr  Sullivan,  whose  jealousy  was  again  roused  by  the  cir- 
cumstance ;  and  wishing  to  know  if  the  person  who  had 
now  called  was  the  same  who  had  been  so  attentive 
to  his  wife  on  the  preceding  evening,  and  the  motives 
of  the  call,  he  requested  that  the  colonel  might  be 
shown  in,  without  acquainting  his  wife,  whom  he  had 
not  yet  seen,  with  his  arrival.  The  colonel,  who  intended 
to  have  made  an  apology  to  the  lady  without  the  presence 
of  a  third  person,  least  of  all  of  her  husband,  ascended  the 
stairs,  adjusting  his  hair  and  cravat,  and  prepared  with  all 
the  penitent  assurance  and  complimentary  excuses  of  a  too 
ardent  lover.  The  fact  was,  that,  although  the  colonel  had 
expressed  to  Captain  Carrington  his  regret  and  distress  at 
the  circumstance,  yet,  as  an  old  Adonis,  he  was  rather  proud 
of  this  instance  of  juvenile  indiscretion.  When,  therefore, 
he  entered  the  room,  and  perceived,  instead  of  the  lady, 
Mr  Sullivan,  raised  up  to  his  utmost  height,  and  looking 
anything  but  good-humoured,  he  naturally  started  back, 
and  stammered  out  something  which  was  unintelligible. 
His  behaviour  did  not  allay  the  suspicions  of  Mr  Sullivan, 
who  requested,  in  a  haughty  tone,  to  be  informed  of  the 
reason  why  he  had  been  honoured  with  a  visit.  The 
colonel  became  more  confused,  and  totally  losing  his 
presence  of  mind,  replied  : — 

"  I  called,  sir, — on  Mrs  Sullivan, — to  offer  an  apology  for 
my  conduct  last  night ;  but  as  I  perceive  that  she  is  not 
visible,  I  will  take  a  more  favourable  opportunity." 


The  Merchant  Service  251 

"  Any  apology  you  may  have  to  offer  to  my  wife,  sir," 
replied  Mr  Sullivan,  "  may  be  confided  to  me.  May  I 
inquire  the  circumstances  which  have  occurred  to  render 
an  apology  necessary  ?  "  and  Mr  Sullivan  walked  to  the 
door  and  closed  it. 

"  Why,  really,  Mr  Sullivan,  you  must  be  aware  that  cir- 
cumstances may  occur,"  replied  the  colonel,  more  confused  : 
*'  the  fact  is,  that  I  consider  it  my  duty,  as  a  gentleman 
and  a  man  of  honour,  to  express  my  regrets  to  your  fair 
lady." 

*'  My  fair  lady  !  for  what,  sir,  may  I  ask  ?  " 

"Why,  sir,"  stammered  the  colonel,  "  to  state  the  truth, 
for,  as  a  gentleman  and  a  man  of  honour,  I  ought  not  to 
be  ashamed  to  acknowledge  my  error — for — the  very  im- 
proper behaviour  which  I  was  guilty  of  last  night." 

"  Improper  behaviour,  sir  ! — d — nation  !  with  my  wife  ? " 
roared  Mr  Sullivan,  in  his  rage.  "  What  behaviour, 
sir  ?  and  when,  sir  ?  " 

*'  Really,  sir,  I  was  too  much  affected  with  the  wine 
to  know  anything  which  passed.  I  did  hope  to  have 
addressed  the  lady  in  person  on  the  subject,  and  I  came 
here  with  that  intention." 

**  I  daresay  you  did,  sir." 

"  But,"  continued  the  colonel,  **  as  it  appears  I  am 
not  to  have  that  honour,  I  consider  that  I  have  done  my 
duty  in  requesting  that  you  will  convey  my  sentiments  of 
regret  for  what  has  passed  5 — and  now,  sir,  I  wish  you  a 
good  morning." 

*'  Good  morning,"  retorted  the  husband,  with  a  sneer," 
"  and  observe,  sir,  I  will  not  trouble  you  to  call  again. 
William,  show  this  gentleman  outside  the  door." 

The  colonel,  who  was  descending  the  stairs,  turned 
round  to  Mr  Sullivan  at  the  latter  part  of  his  speech,  and 
then,  as  if  thinking  better  of  it,  he  resumed  his  descent, 
and  the  door  was  immediately  closed  upon  him. 

Mr  Sullivan,  as  soon  as  he  was  satisfied  that  the  colonel 
was  shut  out,  immediately  repaired  to  his  wife's  dressing- 
room,  where  he  found  her  reading. 


252  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Madam,"  said  he,  fixing  his  eyes  sternly  on  her,  "  I 
have  been  informed  of  what  took  place  last  night." 

"  I'm  sure  I  do  not  know  what  that  was,"  replied  the 
lady,  coolly,  "  except  that  you  were  very  tipsy." 

'*  Granted,  madam ;  you  took  advantage  of  it ;  and 
your  conduct " 

"  My  conduct,  Mr  Sullivan  !  "  replied  his  wife,  kindling 
with  anger. 

*'  Yes,  Mrs  Sullivan,  your  conduct.  A  married  woman, 
madam,  who  allows  gentlemen " 

"  Gentlemen,  Mr  Sullivan !  I  allow  no  gentleman  but 
yourself.     Are  you  sure  that  you  are  quite  sober  ? " 

"  Yes,  madam,  I  am ;  but  this  affected  coolness  will 
not  avail  you  :  deny,  if  you  can,  that  Colonel  EUice  did 
not  last  night " 

"Well,  then,  I  do  deny  it.  Neither  Colonel  Ellice  nor 
any  other  man  ever  did " 

'*Did  what,  madam?"  interrupted  the  husband  in  a 
rage. 

*'  I  was  going  to  observe,  if  you  had  not  interrupted 
me,  that  no  one  was  wanting  in  proper  respect  towards 
me,"  replied  the  lady,  who  grew  more  cool  as  her  husband 
increased  in  choler.  "Pray,  Mr  Sullivan,  may  I  inquire 
who  is  the  author  of  this  slander  ? " 

"  The  author,  madam !  look  at  me — to  your  confusion 
look  at  me  !  " 

"  Well,  I'm  looking." 

"'Twas,  madam — the  colonel  himself." 

**  The  colonel  himself !  " 

"  Yes,  madam,  the  colonel  himself,  who  called  this 
morning  to  see  you  and  renew  the  intimacy,  I  presume ; 
but  by  mistake  was  shown  up  to  me,  and  then  made  an 
apology  for  his  conduct." 

"It's  excessively  strange!  first  the  colonel  is  rude, 
without  my  knowledge,  and  then  apologises  to  you ! 
Mr  Sullivan,  I'm  afraid  that  your  head  is  not  right  this 
morning." 

"Indeed,  madam,  I  only  wish  that  your  heart  was  as 


The  Merchant  Service  253 

sound,"  replied  the  husband,  with  a  sneer ;  "  but,  madam, 
I  am  not  quite  blind.  An  honest  woman — a  virtuous 
woman,  Mrs  Sullivan,  would  have  immediately  acquainted 
her  husband  with  what  had  passed — not  have  concealed 
it ;  still  less  have  had  the  effrontery  to  deny  it,  when 
acknowledged  by  her  par  amour, ^^ 

'^  Paramour  !  ^^  cried  the  lady,  with  an  hysterical  laugh; 
**  Mr  Sullivan,  when  I  select  a  paramour,  it  shall  be  a 
handsome  young  man — not  an  old,  yellow-faced " 

"Pshaw,  madam!  there's  no  accounting  for  taste; 
when  a  woman  deviates  from  the  right  path " 

''  Right  path  !  if  ever  I  deviated  from  the  right  path, 
as  you  call  it,  it  was  when  I  married  such  a  wretch  as 
you  !  Yes,  sir,"  continued  the  lady,  bursting  into  tears, 
**  I  tell  it  you  now — my  life  has  been  a  torment  to  me 
ever  since  I  married  (sobbing) — always  suspected  for 
nothing  (sob,  sob) — ^jealous,  detestable  temper  (sob) — 
go  to  my  friends  (sob) — hereafter  may  repent  (sob) — 
then  know  what  you've  lost "  (sob,  sob,  sob). 

"  And,  madam,"  replied  Mr  Sullivan,  "  so  may  you  also 
know  what  you  have  lost,  before  a  few  hours  have  passed 
away ;  then,  madam,  the  time  may  come  when  the  veil  of 
folly  will  be  rent  from  your  eyes,  and  your  conduct  appear 
in  all  its  deformity.  Farewell,  madam  —  perhaps  for 
ever !  " 

The  lady  made  no  reply  ;  Mr  Sullivan  quitted  the 
room,  and,  repairing  to  his  counting-house,  wrote  a 
challenge  to  the  colonel  and  confided  the  delivery  of 
it  to  one  of  his  friends,  who  unwillingly  accepted  the 
office  of  second. 


354  Newton  Forster ;  or, 


Chapter  XXXV 

«'  He's  truly  valiant,  that  can  wisely  suffer 
The  worst  that  man  can  breathe,  and  make  his  wrongs 
His  outsides :  to  wear  them,  like  his  raiment,  carelessly, 
And  ne'er  prefer  his  injuries  to  his  heart, 
To  bring  it  into  danger." 

Shakespeare. 

The  colonel,  in  the  meantime,  had  returned  to  the  house 
where  he  was  residing,  when  he  was  immediately  accosted 
by  Captain  Carrington  and  the  other  gentlemen  who  had 
been  let  into  the  secret  of  the  plot.  During  his  walk 
home  the  colonel  had  been  ruminating  on  his  dismissal, 
and  had  not  quite  made  up  his  mind  whether  he  ought 
or  ought  not  to  resent  the  conduct  of  Mr  Sullivan. 
Naturally  more  inclined  for  peace  than  war,  by  the  time 
that  he  had  arrived  home  he  had  resolved  to  pocket 
the  affront,  when  Captain  Carrington  called  him  on  one 
side,  and  obtained  from  him  a  recapitulation  of  what  had 
passed ;  which  probably  never  would  have  been  given 
if  the  colonel  had  not  considered  the  communication  as 
confidential.  This,  however,  did  not  suit  the  intentions 
of  Captain  Carrington,  who  felt  inclined  for  more  mischief; 
and,  when  the  colonel  had  concluded  his  narrative,  he 
replied,  "  Upon  my  word,  colonel,  as  you  observe,  this 
conduct  on  the  part  of  Mr  Sullivan  is  not  exactly  what 
can  be  permitted  by  us  military  men.  I  hardly  know 
how  to  advise ;  indeed,  I  would  not  take  the  responsibility  ; 

however,  I  will  consult  with  Mr  S and  Mr  G , 

and  if  you  will  leave  your  honour  in  our  hands,  depend 
upon  it  we  will  do  you  strict  justice:"  and  Captain  Carrington 
quitted  the  colonel,  who  would  have  expostulated,  and, 
walking  up  to  the  other  gentlemen,  entered  into  a  recapitu- 
lation of  the  circumstances.  A  wink  of  his  eye,  as  his 
back  was  turned  to  the  colonel,  fully  expressed  to  the 
others  the  tenor  of  the  advice  which  they  were  to  offer. 

"  Well,   gentlemen,   what   is   your  opinion  ? "   said   the 
captain,  as  he  concluded  his  narrative. 


The  Merchant  Service  25 § 

"I   think,"  replied    Mr    S ,    with    a    serious    face, 

"  there  can  be  but  one — our  gallant  friend  has  been 
most  grossly  insulted.  I  think,"  continued  he,  addressing 
the  colonel,  who  had  quitted  the  sofa,  in  his  anxiety  to 
know  the  issue  of  their  debate,  "  that  I  should  most 
decidedly  ask  him  what  he  meant." 

**  Or  rather  demand  an  apology,"  observed  Mr  G . 

"  Which  Mr  Sullivan,  as  a  man  of  honour,  is  bound  to 
offer,  and  the  colonel,  as  a  gentleman  and  an  officer,  has  a 
right  to  insist  upon.  Do  you  not  think  so.  Captain 
Carrington  ?"  said  Mr  S . 

'*Why,  I  always  have  been  more  inclined  to  be  a 
peacemaker  than  otherwise,  if  I  can,"  replied  Captain 
Carrington.  *'If  our  gallant  friend  the  colonel  is  not 
sure  that  Mr  Sullivan  did  use  the  words,  '  I  won't  trouble 
you  to  call  again,' — are  you  positive  as  to  the  exact  words, 
colonel  ?  " 

*'Why,  to  the  best  of  my  recollection,"  replied  the 
colonel,  "I  rather  think  those  were  the  words.  I  may  be 
mistaken  : — it  was  certainly — most  certainly,  something 
to  that  effect." 

**  Were  they  *  requesting  you  to  call  again  ? ' ''  said 
Captain  Carrington. 

'*No,  no,  that  they  were  certainly  not." 

**  Well,  they  could  be  but  one  or  the  other.  Then, 
gentlemen,  the   case   is   clear — the  words  were   uttered," 

said  Mr  S .     *'  Now  Captain  Carrington,  what  would 

you  advise  ?  " 

**  I  really  am  vexed  to  say  that  I  do  not  see  how  our 
friend.  Colonel  Ellice,  can  do  otherwise  than  demand  an 
apology,  or  a  meeting." 

**  Could  not  I  treat  him  with  contempt.  Captain 
Carrington  ? "    demanded    the    colonel. 

'*  Why,  not  exactly,"  rephed  Mr  S .     **  Sullivan  is 

of  good  family — the  Sullivans  of  Bally  cum  Poop.  He 
was  some  time  in  the  48th  Regiment,  and  was  obliged  to 
retire  from  it  for  challenging  his  colonel." 

'*  Well,  gentlemen,"  replied  the  colonel,  "  I  suppose  I 


2^6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

must  leave  my  honour  in  your  hands,  although  it  does 
appear  to  me  that  our  time  is  very  short  for  such  arrange- 
ments. We  sail  early  to-morrow  morning,  Captain 
Carrington ;  at  daylight  I  think  you  said,  and  it  will  be 
too  late  to-night." 

"  My  dear  colonel,  I  will  risk  a  rebuke  from  the 
Admiralty,"  replied  the  captain,  **  rather  than  not  allow 
you  to  heal  your  wounded  honour.  I  will  stay  till  the 
day  after  to-morrow,  should  it  be  requisite  for  the 
arrangement  of  this  business." 

"  Thank  you,  many  thanks,"  replied  the  colonel,  with 
an  expression  of  disappointment.  "  Then  I  had  better 
prepare  the  letter  ?  " 

*'  Carta  por  senhor  commandante,"  interrupted  a  Portu- 
guese, presenting  a  letter  to  the  colonel ;  "  O  senhor 
embaixo ;  queir  risposta." 

The  colonel  opened  the  letter,  which  contained  Mr 
Sullivan's  challenge, — pistols — to-morrow  morn,  at  day- 
light— one  mile  on  the  road  to  Machico. 

The  colonel's  countenance  changed  two  or  three  shades 
less  yellow  as  he  read  the  contents :  recovering  himself 
with  a  giggle,  he  handed  the  letter  to  Captain  Carrington. 
*' You  see,  captain,  the  gentleman  has  saved  me  the  trouble 
— He,  he,  he !  these  little  affairs  are  common  to  gentlemen 
of  our  profession — He,  he !  and,  since  the  gentleman 
wishes  it,  why,  I  presume — He,  he  !  that  we  must  not 
disappoint  him." 

"  Since  you  are  both  of  one  mind,  I  think  there  will  be 

some   business   done,"  observed  Mr  S .     **I  perceive 

that  he  is  in  earnest  by  the  place  named  for  the  meeting. 
We  generally  settle  our  affairs  of  honour  in  the  Loo-fields ; 
but  I  suppose  he  is  afraid  of  interruption. — They  want  an 
answer,  colonel." 

"  Oh !  he  shall  have  one,"  replied  the  colonel,  tittering 
with  excitement ;  "  he  shall  have  one.  What  hour  does 
he  say  ?  " 

"  Oh,  we  will  arrange  all  that.  Come,  colonel,"  said 
Captain  Carrington,  taking  him  familiarly  by  the  arm,  and 
leading  him  away. 


The  Merchant  Service  257 

The  answer  was  despatched,  and  they  sat  down  to 
dinner.  Many  were  the  friendly  and  encouraging  glasses 
of  wine  drank  with  the  colonel,  who  recovered  his  confi- 
dence, and  was  then  most  assiduous  in  his  attentions  to  the 
ladies,  to  prove  his  perfect  indifference.  He  retired  at  an 
early  hour,  nevertheless. 

In  the  meantime  Mr  Sullivan  had  received  the  answer, 
and  had  retired  to  his  counting-house,  to  arrange  his 
affairs  in  case  of  accident.  He  had  not  seen  his  wife  since 
the  fracas.  And  now  we  will  leave  them  both  for  a 
while,  and  make  a  few  remarks  upon  duelling. 

Most  people  lament,  many  abuse,  the  custom  as  barbarous; 
but  barbarous  it  is  not,  or  it  would  not  be  necessary  in  a 
state  of  high  civilisation.  It  is  true,  that  by  the  practice 
we  offend  laws  human  and  divine  ;  but,  at  the  same  time, 
it  must  be  acknowledged,  that  neither  law  nor  religion  can 
keep  society  in  such  good  order,  or  so  restrain  crime. 
The  man  who  would  defy  the  penalty  of  the  law,  and  the 
commandments  of  his  God  against  seduction  will,  how- 
ever, pause  in  his  career,  when  he  finds  that  there  are 
brothers  to  avenge  an  injured  sister.  And  why  so? — 
because  in  this  world  we  live  as  if  we  were  in  a  tavern, 
careless  of  what  the  bill  is  which  we  run  up,  but  dreading 
the  day  of  reckoning,  which  the  pistol  of  our  adversary 
may  bring  at  once.  Thus  duelling  may  be  considered  as  a 
necessary  evil,  arising  out  of  our  wickedness ;  a  crime  in 
itself  rare  in  occurrence,  but  which  prevents  others  of 
equal  magnitude  from  occurring  every  day  •,  and,  until  the 
world  is  reformed,  nothing  can  prevent  it.  Men  will  ever 
be  governed  by  the  estimation  of  the  world  :  and  until 
the  whole  world  decide  against  duelling — until  it  has 
become  the  usage  to  offer  the  other  cheek  upon  the  first 
having  been  smitten — then,  and  not  till  then,  will  the 
practice  be  discontinued.  When  a  man  refuses  to  fight  a 
duel,  he  is  stigmatised  as  a  coward,  his  company  is  shunned, 
and  unless  he  is  a  wretch  without  feeling,  his  life  becomes 
a  burden.  Men  have  refused  from  purely  conscientious 
motives,   and    have    subsequently   found    themselves    so 

F  R 


258  Newton  Forster;  or, 

miserable,  from  the  neglect  and  contumely  of  the  world, 
that  they  have  backslided,  and  have  fought  to  recover  their 
place  in  society.  There  have  been  some  few — very  few 
— who,  having  refused  from  conscientious  motives,  have 
adhered  to  these  resolutions,  because  they  feared  God  and 
not  man.  There  was  more  courage  in  their  refusal  than  if 
they  had  run  the  gauntlet  of  a  hundred  duels ;  a  moral 
courage  which  is  most  rare, — preferring  the  contempt  of 
man  to  the  wrath  of  God.  It  is,  however,  the  most  trying 
situation  on  this  side  of  the  grave.  To  refuse  to  fight  a 
duel,  is  in  fact  to  obey  the  stern  injunction,  "  Leave  all, 
and  follow  me." 

For  my  part,  I  never  have  and  never  will  fight  a  duel, 
if  I  can  help  it.  I  have  a  double  motive  for  my  refusal ; 
in  the  first  place,  I  am  afraid  to  oiFend  the  Deity  ;  and  in 
the  next,  I  am  afraid  of  being  shot.  I  have,  therefore, 
made  up  my  mind  never  to  meet  a  man  except  upon  what 
I  consider  fair  terms ;  for  when  a  man  stakes  his  life,  the 
gambling  becomes  rather  serious,  and  an  equal  value 
should  be  laid  down  by  each  party.  If,  then,  a  man  is 
not  so  big — not  of  equal  consequence  in  the  consideration 
of  his  fellow-mites — not  married,  with  five  small  children, 
as  I  am — not  having  so  much  to  lose, — why,  it  is  clear 
that  I  risk  more  than  he  does ;  the  stake  is  not  equal, 
and  I  therefore  shall  not  meet  him.  If,  on  the  contrary, 
he  presents  a  broader  target — if  he  is  my  superior  in  rank, 
more  patriarchal  at  home,  or  has  so  many  hundreds  per 
annum  more — why,  then  the  disadvantages  will  be  on  his 
side ;  and  I  trust  I  am  too  much  of  a  gentleman,  even  if 
he  offers  to  waive  all  these  considerations,  to  permit  him 
to  fight.     It  would  be  sivmdling  the  man  out  of  his  life. 

The  best  advice  I  can  offer  to  my  friends  under  these 
unpleasant  circumstances  is,  first  to  try  if  they  cannot 
persuade  their  adversaries  to  make  an  apology :  and  if 
they  will  not,  why,  then,  let  them  make  one  themselves  j 
for  although  the  making  an  apology  creates  a  very  uneasy 
sensation,  and  goes  very  much  against  the  stomach,  yet, 
depend   upon  it,  a  well-directed    bullet  creates  a  much 


The  Merchant  Service  259 

more  uneasy  feeling,  and,  what  is  worse,  goes  directly 
into  it. 

We  left  Mrs  Sullivan  sobbing  in  her  anger,  when  her 
husband  bounded  out  of  the  room  in  his  h-eroics.  At  the 
time  that  he  made  the  threat  she  was  in  no  humour  to 
regard  it  j  but  as  her  anger  gradually  subsided,  so  did 
her  alarm  increase.  Notwithstanding  that  she  was  a 
coquette,  she  was  as  warmly  attached  to  her  husband  as 
he  was  to  her  ;  if  she  trifled,  it  was  only  for  her  amuse- 
ment, and  to  attract  that  meed  of  admiration  to  which  she 
had  been  accustomed  previous  to  her  marriage,  and  which 
no  woman  can  renounce  on  her  first  entry  into  that  state. 
Men  cannot  easily  pardon  jealousy  in  their  wives ;  but 
women  are  more  lenient  towards  their  husbands.  Love, 
hand-in-hand  with  confidence,  is  the  more  endearing ; 
yet,  when  confidence  happens  to  be  out  of  the  way.  Love 
will  sometimes  associate  with  Jealousy ;  still,  as  this  dis- 
agreeable companion  proves  that  Love  is  present,  and  as 
his  presence  is  what  a  woman  and  all  a  woman  asks,  she 
suffers  Jealousy,  nay,  sometimes  even  becomes  partial  to 
him,  for  the  sake  of  Love. 

Now,  that  Mrs  Sullivan  had  been  most  unjustly  accused, 
the  reader  must  know,  and,  moreover,  that  she  had  great 
reason  to  feel  irritated.  When  her  tears  had  subsided, 
for  some  time  she  continued  in  her  chair,  awaiting,  with 
predetermined  dignity,  the  appearance  and  apology  of 
Mr  Sullivan.  After  some  time  had  elapsed,  she  wondered 
why  he  did  not  come.  Dinner  was  announced,  and  she 
certainly  expected  to  meet  him  then,  and  she  waited  for 
some  minutes  to  see  if  he  would  not  take  this  opportunity 
of  coming  up  to  her ; — but  no.  She  then  presumed  that 
he  was  still  in  the  sulks,  and  had  sat  down  to  table  with- 
out her,  and  therefore,  as  he  would  not  come — why,  she 
went ;  but  he  was  not  at  the  table.  Every  minute  she 
expected  him  : — Had  he  been  told  ? — Where  was  he  ? — 
He  was  in  the  counting-house,  was  the  reply.  Mrs 
Sullivan  swallowed  a  few  mouthfuls,  and  then  returned 
upstairs.      Tea   was    made — announced   to   Mr   Sullivan, 


26o  Newton  Forster;  or, 

yet  he  came  not.  It  remained  on  the  table;  the  cup 
poured  out  for  him  was  cold.  The  urn  had  been  sent 
down,  with  strict  injunctions  to  keep  the  water  boiling, 
and  all  was  cleared  away.  Mrs  Sullivan  fidgeted  and 
ruminated,  and  became  uneasy.  He  never  had  been  at 
variance  for  so  many  hours  since  their  marriage,  and  all 
for  nothing !  At  last  the  clock  struck  ten,  and  she  rang 
the  bell. — "Where  is  Mr  Sullivan?" — **In  the  counting- 
house." — "  Tell  him  that  I  wish  to  speak  with  him." 
Mr  Sullivan  had  not  answered  him,  and  the  door  was 
locked  inside.  This  intelligence  created  a  little  irritation, 
and  checked  the  tide  of  affection.  "  Before  all  the 
servants — so  inconsiderate  —  it  was  quite  insulting  !  " 
With  a  heavy  heart,  Mrs  Sullivan  lighted  the  chamber 
candle,  and  went  upstairs  to  bed.  Once  she  turned  down 
the  stairs  two  or  three  steps,  intending  to  go  to  the 
counting-house  door ;  but  her  pride  restrained  her,  and 
she  reascended.  In  an  hour  Mrs  Sullivan  was  in  bed, 
expecting  her  husband  every  minute,  listening  at  the 
slightest  sound  for  his  footsteps ;  but  two  o'clock  came, 
and  he  was  still  away.  She  could  bear  up  against  her 
suspense  and  agitation  no  longer  j  she  rose,  threw  on 
her  robe  de  nuit,  and  descended  the  stairs.  All  the  family 
had  long  retired,  and  everything  was  still :  her  light  foot 
made  no  noise  as  she  tripped  along.  As  she  neared  the 
door  she  perceived  the  light  gleaming  through  the  key- 
hole. Whether  to  peep  or  to  speak  first — he  might  be 
fast  asleep.  Curiosity  prevailed — she  looked  through  the 
key-hole,  and  perceived  her  husband  very  busy  writing. 
After  he  had  finished  his  letter  he  threw  down  the  pen, 
pressed  his  forehead  with  both  hands,  and  groaned 
deeply.  Mrs  Sullivan  could  refrain  no  longer.  "William! 
William !  "  cried  she,  in  a  soft,  imploring  voice :  but  she 
was  not  answered.  Again  and  again  did  she  repeat  his 
name,  until  an  answer,  evidently  wrung  from  him  by 
impatience,  was  returned — "  It  is  too  late  now." 

"  Too  late,  dear  William  !     Yes,  it  is  very  late — it's 
almost  three  o'clock.     Let  me  in,  William — pray  do  !  " 


The  Merchant  Service  261 

**  Leave  me  alone :  it's  the  last  favour  I  shall  probably 
ever  request  of  you." 

"  The  last  favour !  Oh,  William  !  you  frighten  me  so  : 
— dear  William — do — do  let  me  in.  I'm  so  cold — I  shall 
die : — only  for  one  moment,  and  I'll  bless  you.  Pray  do, 
William  !  " 

It  was  not  until  after  repeated  and  repeated  entreaties  of 
this  kind  that  Mr  Sullivan,  worn  out  by  importunity,  at 
last  opened  the  door. 

"  Mary,  I  am  very  busy  ;  I  have  opened  the  door  to  tell 
you  so,  and  to  request  that  you  will  not  interrupt  me. 
Now  oblige  me  by  going  to  bed." 

But  getting  in  was  everything  ;  and  a  young  and  pretty 
wife,  in  dishabille  and  in  tears,  imploring,  entreating,  con- 
juring, promising,  coaxing,  and  fondling,  is  not  quite  so 
easy  to  be  detached  when  once  she  has  gained  access.  In 
less  than  half  an  hour  Mr  Sullivan  was  obliged  to  confess 
that  her  conduct  had  been  the  occasion  of  a  meeting 
being  agreed  upon  for  that  morning,  and  that  he 
was  arranging  his  affairs  in  case  of  a  melancholy  termina- 
tion. 

"  You  now,  Mary,  must  see  the  consequences  of  your 
conduct.  By  your  imprudence,  your  husband's  life  is 
risked,  probably  sacrificed ;  but  this  is  no  time  to  be  at 
variance.  I  forgive  you,  Mary — from  my  soul  I  do,  as  I 
hope  for  pardon  myself." 

Mrs  Sullivan  burst  into  a  paroxysm  of  tears  ;  and  it  was 
some  time  before  she  could  answer.  "William,"  cried 
she,  energetically,  "  as  you  well  say,  this  is  no  time  to  be 
at  variance,  neither  is  it  a  time  for  falsehood.  What  I  stated 
to  you  this  morning  was  true ; — if  not,  may  I  never  hope 
for  pardon  !  and  may  heaven  never  be  opened  to  me  !  You 
have  been  deceived — grossly  deceived ;  for  what  purpose, 
I  know  not  :  but  so  it  is.  Do  not,  therefore,  be  rash. 
Send  for  all  who  were  present,  and  examine  them  5  and  if 
I  have  told  you  a  falsehood,  put  me  away  from  you,  to  the 
shame  and  seclusion  I  shall  so  well  deserve." 

**  It  is  too  late,  Mary  ;  I  have  challenged  him,  and  he 


262  Newton  Forster;  or, 

has  accepted  it.  I  fain  would  believe  you  ;  but  he  told  me 
so  himself." 

"  Then  he  told  a  lie  !  a  base,  cowardly  lie  !  which 
sinks  him  beneath  the  notice  of  a  gentleman.  Let  me  go 
with  you  and  confront  him.  Only  let  him  dare  to  say  it 
to  my  face ;  'tis  all  I  ask,  William,  that  I  may  clear  my 
fame  with  you.  Come  to  bed — nay,  nay,  don't  refuse 
me ; "  and  poor  Mrs  Sullivan  again  burst  into  tears. 

We  must  leave  the  couple  to  pass  the  remaining  hours 
in  misery,  which,  however,  reclaimed  them  both  from 
faults.  Mrs  Sullivan  never  coquetted  more ;  and  her 
husband  was,  after  this,  never  jealous  but  on  trifles. 

The  colonel  was  just  as  busy  on  his  side  in  preparing  for 
the  chances  of  the  morrow  :  these  chances,  however,  were 
never  tried ;  for  Captain  Carrington  and  his  confederates 
had  made  their  arrangements.  Mr  Sullivan  was  already 
dressed,  his  wife  clinging  to  him  in  frantic  despair,  when  a 
letter  was  left  at  his  door,  the  purport  of  which  was  that 
Colonel  Ellice  had  discovered  that  his  companions  had 
been  joking  with  him,  when  they  had  asserted  that  during 
his  state  of  inebriety  he  had  offered  any  rudeness  to  Mrs 
Sullivan.  As,  therefore,  no  offence  had  been  committed. 
Colonel  Ellice  took  it  for  granted  that  Mr  SuiJlivan  would 
be  satisfied  with  the  explanation. 

Mrs  Sullivan,  who  devoured  the  writing  over  her 
husband's  shoulder,  sank  down  on  her  knees  in  gratitude, 
and  was  raised  to  her  husband's  arms,  who,  as  he  embraced 
her,  acknowledged  his  injustice. 

The  same  party  who  wrote  this  epistle  also  framed 
another  in  imitation  of  Mr  Sullivan's  handwriting,  in  which 
Mr  Sullivan  acquainted  the  colonel,  that  having  been 
informed  by  a  mutual  friend  that  he  had  been  in  error 
relative  to  Colonel  Ellice's  behaviour  of  the  night  before, 
he  begged  to  withdraw  the  challenge,  and  apologise  for 
having  suspected  the  colonel  of  incivility,  &:c.  That 
having  been  informed  that  Colonel  Ellice  embarked  at  an 
early  hour,  he  regretted  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  pay 
his  respects  to  him,  and  assure  him,  &:c. 


The  Merchant  Service  263 

The  receipt  of  this  letter,  just  as  the  colonel  had  finished 
a  cup  of  coffee,  preparatory  to  starting,  made  him,  as  a 
single  man,  quite  as  happy  as  the  married  couple ;  he 
hastened  to  put  the  letter  into  the  hands  of  Captain 
Carrington,  little  thinking  that  he  was  handing  it  over  to 
the  writer. 

"  You  observe.  Captain  Carrington,  he  won't  come  to 
the  scratch.  Perhaps  as  well  for  him  that  he  does  not," 
said  the  colonel,  chuckling  in  his  glee. 

The  breakfast  was  early  ;  the  colonel  talked  big,  and 
explained  the  whole  affair  to  the  ladies,  quite  unconscious 
that  everyone  in  the  company  knew  that  the  hoax  had 
been  played  upon  him.  Before  noon,  everyone  had  re- 
embarked  on  board  of  their  respective  ships,  and  their 
lofty  sails  were  expanded  to  a  light  and  favouring  breeze. 


Chapter  XXXVI 

"Isabel. — Anywhere  to  avoid  matrimony:  the  thought  of  a  husband  is 
terrible  to  me. 

Inis. — But  if  you  might  choose  for  yourself,  1  fancy  matrimony  would  be 
no  such  frightful  thing  to  you."  "  The  fVonJer" 

The  Boadicea,  with  the  Indiamen,  proceeded  on  to  their 
destination.  Captain  Carrington  taking  every  opportunity 
which  light  winds  and  smooth  water  afforded  him  of 
paying  his  respects  to  the  ladies  on  board  of  the  Bombay 
Castle,  or  of  inviting  them  on  board  of  the  frigate.  The 
fact  was  that  he  had  fallen  most  desperately  in  love  with 
Isabel  Revel,  and  paid  her  the  most  marked  attention  ; 
but,  although  a  pleasant,  Hght-hearted  companion,  and  a 
young  man  of  good  family  and  prospects,  Isabel  Revel 
had  not  fallen  in  love  with  him":  she  liked  his  company, 
but  nothing  more. 

In  a  month  the  squadron  had  arrived  at  the  island  of  St 
Helena,  to  which  Captain  Carrington  had  been  ordered  to 


264  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

convoy  them :  his  directions  were  then  to  cruise  in  a 
certain  latitude,  and  ultimately  to  proceed  on  to  the  East 
Indies,  if  he  did  not  fall  in  with  the  vessels  he  expected. 
It  was,  therefore,  but  parting  to  meet  again  ;  but  during 
the  short  time  that  they  refitted  and  completed  their  water 
at  St  Helena,  Captain  Carrington  proposed,  and  was 
politely  refused  by  Isabel  Revel.  Impatient  as  a  boy  who 
has  been  denied  his  plaything,  he  ordered  his  stores 
immediately  on  board,  and  the  next  day  quitted  the  island. 
It  may  appear  strange  that  a  young  lady,  obviously  sent 
out  on  speculation,  should  have  refused  so  advantageous 
an  offer ;  for  the  speculation  commences  with  the  voyage. 
Some  ladies  are  selected  at  Madeira.  Since  the  Cape  has 
been  in  our  possession,  several  have  been  induced  to  stay 
in  that  colony  ;  and  very  often  ships  arrive  with  only  the 
refuse  of  their  cargo  for  the  intended  market  in  the  East. 
But  Isabel  Revel  had  consented  to  embark  on  the  score  of 
filial  duty,  not  to  obtain  a  husband,  unless  she  liked  the 
gentleman  who  proposed  ;  and  Captain  Carrington  did  not 
happen  to  come  up  to  her  fanciful  ideas  of  the  person  to 
be  chosen  for  life.  Captain  Carrington  did  not  impart  the 
intelligence  of  his  ill-success  to  anyone  but  Newton,  who 
was  employed  to  carry  his  farewell  message.  His  secret 
was  faithfully  kept  by  both.  Isabel  Revel  was  not  one  of 
those  young  ladies  who  would  .make  use  of  such  an 
unworthy  advantage  to  heighten  her  consequence  in  the 
eyes  of  others.  But  there  was  another  reason,  not  exactly 
known  to  Isabel  herself  at  the  time,  which  prevented  her 
from  listening  to  the  proposals  of  Captain  Carrington. 
Had  she  questioned  her  own  heart,  she  would  have 
discovered  that  she  was  prepossessed  in  favour  of  one  who 
as  unconsciously  had  become  attached  to  her.  He  knew 
his  own  feelings,  but  had  checked  them  in  the  bud,  aware 
that  he  had  nothing  to  offer  but  himself.  This  person  was 
Newton  Forster.  His  intimacy  with  Captain  Carrington, 
the  attention  shown  him  by  Captain  Drawlock  (who  en- 
trusted him  to  work  the  chronometers  !  !  ),  his  own  excel- 
lent character  and  handsome   person,  had  raised  him  to 


The  Merchant  Service  265 

more  importance  than  his  situation  as  a  junior  officer  would 
have  warranted ;  and  his  behaviour  was  such  as  to  have 
secured  him  the  good-will  of  everyone  on  board  of  the 
ship.  Newton's  unassuming,  frank  manner,  added  to  a 
large  stock  of  general  information,  occasioned  his  society  to 
be  courted,  even  by  those  who  would  otherwise  have  been 
inclined  to  keep  at  a  distance  one  in  his  subordinate  rank. 

When  they  arrived  at  St  Helena,  the  first  mate,  for  a 
wonder,  no  longer  made  any  difficulty  of  going  on  shore 
for  an  hour  or  two,  if  he  knew  that  Newton  would  be 
the  commanding  officer  during  his  absence ;  nay,  so  high 
did  he  stand  in  the  opinion  of  his  captain,  that  not  only 
was  he  permitted  to  take  charge  of  the  chronometers,  but 
if  called  away  for  a  time  below.  Captain  Drawlock  would 
hand  over  to  Newton's  charge  any  one  of  the  unmarried 
responsibilities  who  might  happen  to  be  leaning  on  his 
arm. 

The  Indiamen  being  now  left  to  protect  themselves, 
the  senior  officer,  Commodore  Bottlecock,  issued  most 
elaborate  memoranda,  as  to  the  order  of  sailing,  exercise 
of  the  men  at  the  great  guns  and  small  arms,  and  every 
other  point  which  could  tend  to  their  security  by  due 
preparation.  Nevertheless,  the  ladies  continued  to  appear 
on  deck.  Mrs  Ferguson  sate  in  her  majesty  ;  the  young 
ladies  tittered,  and  were  reprimanded ;  the  young  gentle- 
men were  facetious,  and  were  rebuked ;  the  old  colonel 
talked  of  his  adventure  at  Madeira,  and  compared  every- 
thing to  the  spent  ball  in  the  battle  of .     Dr  Plausible 

had  become  a  most  assiduous  attendant  upon  Miss  Tavistock, 
ever  since  he  had  satisfactorily  ascertained  that  she  had 
property  of  her  own ;  everybody  had  become  intimate : 
everyone  was  becoming  tired,  when  the  bearings  and 
distance  at  noon  placed  them  about  two  hundred  miles 
from  Point  de  Galle,  the  southernmost  extremity  of  Ceylon. 
The  wind  was  fresh  and  fair,  and  they  congratulated  each 
other  upon  a  speedy  termination  to  their  tedious  voyage. 

Dinner  was  announced  by  the  old  tune  of  "  Oh !  the 
roast  beef  of  Old  England  j"  and  during  a  long  voyage 


266  Newton  Forster;  or, 

the  announcement  of  dinner  is  a  very  great  relief  every 
way.  As  had  been  the  invariable  rule  throughout  the 
whole  of  the  voyage,  Miss  Charlotte  and  Miss  Laura 
Revel  were  placed  on  the  one  side  of  Captain  Drawlock, 
Miss  Tavistock  and  Isabel  Revel  on  the  other.  They 
were  flanked  on  the  other  side  by  Mrs  and  Mr  Ferguson, 
who  thus  separated  them  from  any  undue  collision  with 
the  gentlemen  passengers  or  officers  of  the  ship.  The 
colonel  was  placed  next  to  Mrs  Ferguson,  the  young 
writer  next  to  her  husband  :  then  the  two  cadets,  sup- 
ported by  the  doctor  and  purser,  the  remainder  of  the 
table  being  filled  up  with  the  officers  of  the  ship,  with  the 
first  mate  at  the  foot.  Such  was  the  order  of  Captain 
Drawlock's  dinner-sailing ;  as  strictly  adhered  to  as  the 
memoranda  of  Commodore  Bottlecock :  the  only  com- 
munication permitted  with  the  young  ladies  under  his 
charge  (unless  married  men)  being  to  '*  request  the 
honour  of  drinking   a  glass  of  wine   with   them." 

All  this  may  appear  very  absurd  j  but  a  little  reflection 
will  convince  the  reader  to  the  contrary.  There  is  a 
serious  responsibility  on  a  captain  of  an  Indiaman,  who 
takes  charge  of  perhaps  a  dozen  young  women,  who 
are  to  be  cooped  up  for  months  in  the  same  ship  with  as 
many  young  men.  Love,  powerful  everywhere,  has  on 
the  waters  even  more  potent  sway,  hereditary,  I  presume, 
from  his  mother's  nativity.  Idleness  is  the  friend  of  Love ; 
and  passengers  have  little  or  nothing  to  do  to  while  away 
the  tedium  of  a  voyage.  In  another  point,  he  has  great 
advantage,  from  the  limited  number  of  the  fair  sex.  In  a 
ball  or  in  general  society,  a  man  may  see  hundreds  of 
women,  admire  many,  yet  fall  in  love  with  none.  Numbers 
increase  the  difficulty  of  choice,  and  he  remains  deljghted, 
but  not  enslaved.  But  on  board  of  a  ship,  the  continued 
presence  of  one  whom  he  admires  by  comparison  out  of 
the  few — one  who,  perhaps,  if  on  shore,  would  in  a  »short 
time  be  eclipsed  by  another,  but  who  here  shines  without 
competition — gives  her  an  advantage  which,  assisted  by 
idleness  and  opportunity,   magnifies   her  attractions,  and 


The  Merchant  Service  i^y 

sharpens  the  arrow  of  all  -  conquering  Love.  Captain 
Drawlock  perhaps  knew  this  from  experience  ;  he  knew 
also  that  the  friends  of  one  party,  if  not  of  both,  might 
be  displeased  by  any  contract  formed  when  under  his 
surveillance,  and  that  his  character  and  the  character  of 
his  ship  (for  ships  nowadays  have  characters,  and  very 
much  depend  upon  them  for  their  well  doing)  might  suffer 
in  consequence.  Strict  as  he  might  therefore  appear,  he 
was  only  doing  his  duty. 

Grace  being  requested  from  Mr  Ferguson,  he  indulged 
the  company  with  one  quite  as  long  as  usual ;  rather  too 
long,  considering  that  the  ship  was  very  unsteady,  and  the 
ladies  had  to  cling  to  the  table  for  support.  But  Mr 
Ferguson  was  not  a  sailor,  or  he  would  have  known  that 
it  is  the  custom  to  reduce  the  grace  in  proportion  with 
the  canvas.  When  the  royals  are  set,  we  submit  to  a 
homily ;  under  double-reefed  topsails,  a  blessing  •,  but 
under  storm  stay-sails,  an  ejaculation  is  considered  as 
orthodox. 

*'  Mrs  Ferguson,  will  you  permit  me  to  send  you  a  little 
mulligatawney  ?"  said  Captain  Drawlock:  "  If  you  prefer 
it,  there  is  sheep's-head  broth  at  the  other  end  of  the 
table." 

"  Then  I  will  take  a  little  of  the  broth,  if  you  please, 
Captain  Drawlock." 

**  Mr  Mathews,  Mrs  Ferguson  will  take  some  broth.  I 
am  sorry,  Mrs  Ferguson,  that  our  table  is  so  ill  supplied ; 
but  a  long  voyage  and  bad  weather  has  been  very  fatal  to 
our  hen-coops." 

"  Indeed,  Captain  Drawlock,  you  need  not  apologise." 
Nor  was  there  any  occasion,  for  the  table  was  loaded. 

"  Perhaps  Miss  Laura  Revel  will  permit  me  to  send  her 
a  slice  of  this  mutton  ? "  said  the  obsequious  colonel. 

**No,  I  thank  you;  I  have  eaten  nothing  but  mutton 
lately.  I  think  I  shall  be  a  sheep  myself  soon,"  added  the 
young  lady,  tittering. 

"  That  would  be  very  much  against  your  inclination,  I 
should  think.  Miss  Laura,"  observed  Mrs  Ferguson,  tartly. 


268  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  La  !  why  so  ?  how  do  you  know,  Mrs  Ferguson  ? " 

**  Because  a  sheep  never  changes  its  name  until  after  it 
is  dead.  I  shrewdly  suspect  you  would  like  to  change 
yours  before." — (This  was  a  hard  hit.) 

"  As  you  have  yours,  Mrs  Ferguson,"  quietly  answered 
Isabel,  in  support  of  her  sister. 

"  Very  fair  on  both  sides,"  said  the  colonel,  bowing  to 
the  ladies,  who  sat  together.  "  Pray,  Miss  Laura,  don't 
talk  of  being  a  sheep,  we  are  all  ready  to  devour  you  as 
it  is." 

"  La !  you  don't  say  so  ? "  replied  the  young  lady, 
much  pleased. 

"  Colonel  Ellice,"  interrupted  Captain  Drawlock,  with  a 
serious  air,  "  several  of  the  company  will  thank  you  to 
carve  that  joint,  when  you  have  finished  paying  your 
compliments.  Miss  Tavistock,  the  honour  of  a  glass  of 
wine.  We  have  not  had  the  pleasure  of  your  company  on 
deck  to-day." 

"No,  Captain  Drawlock.  I  did  intend  to  come,  but 
my  health  is  in  such  a  delicate  state,  that  by  the  advice  of 
Dr  Plausible  I  remained  below." 

"  Miss  Tavistock,  will  you  allow  me  to  send  you  some 
mutton  ? " 

"  If  you  please,  colonel ;  a  very  small  slice." 

**  Mr  Forster,  what  have  you  in  that  dish  before  you  ?  " 

"  A  chicken.  Captain  Drawlock." 

"  Miss  Isabel  Revel,  will  you  take  some  chicken  ?  " 

"No,  I  thank  you.  Captain  Drawlock,"  replied  Isabel. 

"  Did  you  say  yes  or  no  ? "  inquired  Newton,  who  had 
caught  her  eye. 

"  I'll  change  my  mind,"  said  Isabel,  smiling. 

Now,  I  know  it  for  a  fact,  although  I  shall  not  give  up 
my  authority,  that  Isabel  Revel  never  wanted  any  chicken 
until  she  perceived  that  Newton  was  to  help  her.  So,  if 
Love  occasionally  takes  away  the  appetite,  let  us  do  him 
justice — he  sometimes  creates  one. 

"  Miss  Tavistock,  allow  me  to  send  you  a  little  of  this 
turkey,"  said  Dr  Plausible  ;  "  it  is  easy  of  digestion." 


The  Merchant  Service  269 

"  If  you  please,  doctor,"  replied  Miss  Tavistock, 
cramming  the  last  mouthful  of  mutton  into  her  mouth, 
and  sending  away  her  plate  to  be  changed. 

"  Will  you  not  take  a  little  ham  with  it,  Miss 
Tavistock  ? "  said  Captain  Drawlock. 

**If  you  please,  sir." 

"  The  honour  of  a  glass  of  wine,  Miss  Tavistock,"  said 
the  colonel. 

*'  With  pleasure,  sir." 

"  Miss  Charlotte  Revel,  you  have  really  eaten  nothing," 
said  Captain  Drawlock. 

''That  proves  you  have  not  paid  me  the  least  attention," 
replied  the  young  lady.  "  Had  you  honoured  me  with  a 
single  glance  during  dinner,  you  could  not  but  have  ob- 
served that  I  have  been  dining  very  heartily." 

*'  I  really  am  quite  shocked.  Miss  Charlotte,  and  bow  to 
your  reproof.  Will  you  take  a  glass  of  wine  with  me,  in 
reconciliation  ?  " 

"  I  consider  a  glass  of  Madeira  a  very  poor  bribe,  sir." 

"  Well,  then.  Miss  Charlotte,  it  shall  be  champagne," 
replied  Captain  Drawlock,  in  his  gallantry.  "  Steward, 
champagne."  A  fortunate  hit  for  the  company ;  as 
champagne  was  in  general  only  produced  upon  what  sailors 
call  "clean  shirt  days," — viz.,  Sundays  and  Thursdays. 

"  We  are  highly  indebted  to  Miss  Revel,"  observed  the 
colonel,  bowing  to  her;  "and  I  think  we  ought  to  drink 
her  health  in  a  bumper." 

Agreed  to,  nem.  con. 

Champagne,  thou  darling  of  my  heart !  To  stupefy 
oneself  with  other  wines,  is  brutal ;  but  to  raise  oneself  to 
the  seventh  heaven  with  thee,  is  quite  ethereal.  The  soul 
appears  to  spurn  the  body,  and  take  a  transient  flight  with- 
out its  dull  associate — the — the — broke  down,  by  Jupiter  ! 
All  I  meant  to  say  was,  that  champagne  is  very  pretty  tipple; 
and  so  thought  the  dinner  party,  who  were  proportionally 
enlivened. 

"  Is  this  orthodox,  Mr  Ferguson  ?  "inquired  the  colonel, 
holding  up  his  glass. 


270  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"  So  far  orthodox,  that  it  is  very  good  ;  and  what  is 
orthodox  is  good,"  replied  the  divine,  with  good-humour. 

"  The  Asia  has  made  the  signal  for  '  a  strange  sail — 
suspicious,'  "  said  the  second  mate  to  Captain  Drawlock, 
putting  his  head  into  the  cabin. 

"  Very  well,  Mr  Jones,  keep  a  glass  upon  the  com- 
modore." 

"  Mrs  Ferguson,  will  you  take  some  of  this  tart ! 
Damascene,  I  believe,"  said  the  first  mate. 

"If  you  please,  Mr  Mathews. — Did  not  Mr  Jones  say 
*  suspicious  ? ' — ^What  does  that  imply  ?  " 

"Imply,  madam;  why,  that  he  don't  like  the  cut  of 
her  jib ! " 

**  And  pray  what  does  that  mean  ?  " 

"  Mean,  madam :  why,  that  for  all  he  knows  to  the 
contrary,  she  may  be  a  French  frigate." 

"  A  French  frigate !  a  French  frigate  !  O  dear  !  O 
dear  !  "  cried  two  or  three  ladies  at  a  breath. 

**  Mr  Mathews,  said  Captain  Drawlock,  "  I  am  really 
surprised  at  your  indiscretion.  You  have  alarmed  the 
ladies.  A  suspicious  sail,  Mrs  Ferguson,  merely  implies 
in  fact,  that  they  do  not  know  what  she  is." 

"Is  that  all  it  means  ?"  replied  Mrs  Ferguson,  with  an 
incredulous  look. 

"  Nothing  more,  madam ;  nothing  more,  I  assure  you." 

"  Commodore  has  made  signal  that  the  strange  vessel  is 
a  man-of-war  bearing  down,"  said  the  second  mate,  again 
entering  the  cabin. 

"  Very  well,  Mr  Jones,"  said  Captain  Drawlock,  with 
assumed  indifference,  but  at  the  same  time  fidgeting  on  his 
chair. 

The  first  mate  and  Newton  immediately  quitted  the 
cabin. 

"  Miss  Tavistock,  will  you  take  a  little  of  this  pudding  ?  " 

"  If  you  please,  sir,  a  very  little." 

"  A  man-of-war !  Til  go  and  have  a  look  at  her,"  said 
the  colonel,  who  rose  up,  bowed  to  the  ladies,  and  left 
the  cuddy. 


The  Merchant  Service  271 

"  Most  probably  one  of  our  cruisers,"  observed  Captain 
Drawlock." 

"The  commodore  has  made  the  signal  to  prepare  for 
action,  sir,"  said  the  second  mate. 

"  Very  well,  Mr  Jones,"  said  Captain  Drawlock,  who 
could  now  restrain  himself  no  longer.  "  You  must  excuse 
me,  ladies,  for  a  moment  or  two  ;  but  our  commodore  is 
so  very  prudent  a  man,  and  I  am  under  his  orders.  In  a 
short  time  I  hope  to  return  to  the  pleasure  of  your 
society." 

Captain  Drawlock's  departure  was  followed  by  that  of 
all  the  male  party,  with  the  exception  of  Dr  Plausible 
and  Mr  Ferguson,  both  of  whom,  however,  were  anxious 
to  go  upon  deck,  and  ascertain  how  matters  stood. 

"Mr  Ferguson,  where  are  you  going?"  said  his  wife, 
sharply.  "  Pray  !  sir,  do  us  the  favour  to  remain.  Your 
profession,  if  I  mistake  not,  is  one  of  peace." 

"  Oh  !  Doctor  Plausible,  I  feel  very  unwell,"  cried  Miss 
Tavistock. 

"  I  will  stay  with  you,  my  dear  madam,"  replied  the 
doctor. 

A  gun  from  the  commodore's  ship,  which  was  close  to 
windward  of  them,  burst  upon  their  ears,  rattling  the  cabin 
windows,  and  making  every  wine  glass  on  the  table  to  dance 
with  the  concussion. 

"  Oh  !  oh !  oh !  "  screamed  Miss  Tavistock,  throwing 
herself  back  in  her  chair,  and  expanding  her  arms  and 
fingers. 

Doctor  Plausible  flew  to  the  lady's  assistance. 

"  The  extreme  fineness  of  her  organic  structure, — a 
little  water,  if  you  please.  Miss  Charlotte  Revel." 

A  tumbler  of  water  was  poured  out,  and  Doctor 
Plausible,  dipping  the  tip  of  his  forefinger  into  it,  passed 
it  lightly  over  the  lady's  brows.  "  She  will  be  better 
directly." 

But  the  lady  did  not  think  proper  to  come  to  so  soon 
as  the  doctor  prophesied,  and  Mrs  Ferguson,  snatching 
up    the   tumbler,   dashed   the  contents  with   violence   in 


272  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Miss  Tavistock's  face;  at  which  Miss  Tavistock  not 
only  revived,  but  jumped  up  from  her  chair,  blowing 
and  spluttering. 

"  Are  you  better  now,  Miss  Tavistock  ? "  said  Mrs 
Ferguson,  soothingly,  at  the  same  time  glancing  her  eyes 
at  the  other  ladies,  who  could  not  restrain  their  mirth. 

*'Oh!  Doctor  Plausible,  that  shock  has  so  affected  my 
nerves,  I  feel  that  I  shall  faint  again,  I  do  indeed — Fm 
going " 

**  Lean  upon  me,  Miss  Tavistock,  and  permit  me  to 
conduct  you  to  your  cabin,"  replied  the  doctor ;  "  the 
extreme  delicacy  of  your  constitution,"  continued  he, 
whispering,  as  they  left  the  cuddy,  **is  not  equal  to 
the  boisterous  remedies  of  Mrs  Ferguson." 

As  they  went  out,  Newton  Forster  came  in. 

"  You  must  not  be  alarmed,  ladies,  when  I  state  that 
I  am  commissioned  by  Captain  Drawlock  to  inform  you 
that  the  stranger's  manoeuvres  are  so  doubtful,  that  we 
think  she  is  an  enemy.  He  has  desired  me  to  request 
you  will  accept  my  convoy  to  the  lower-deck,  where  you 
will  be  safe  from  accident,  in  the  event  of  our  coming 
to  an  engagement.  Mr  Ferguson,  the  captain  entrusts 
the  ladies  to  your  charge,  and  requests  that  you  will  not 
leave  them  upon  any  consideration.  Now,  Mrs  Ferguson, 
will  you  permit  me  to  escort  you  to  a  place  of 
security  ? " 

At  this  intelligence  Laura  Revel  stared,  Charlotte  burst 
into  tears,  and  Isabel  turned  pale.  Mrs  Ferguson  took 
the  arm  of  Newton  without  saying  a  word,  when  the 
other  was  offered  and  accepted  by  Isabel.  Mr  Ferguson, 
with  the  two  other  sisters,  brought  up  the  rear.  The 
ladies  had  to  pass  the  quarter-deck,  and  when  they  saw 
the  preparations — the  guns  cast  loose,  the  shot  lying  on 
the  deck,  and  all  the  various  apparatus  for  destruction — 
their  fears  increased.  When  they  had  been  conducted  to 
their  place  of  safety,  Newton  was  about  to  return  on  deck, 
when  he  was  seized  by  Miss  Charlotte  and  Laura  Revel, 
who  entreated  him  not  to  leave  them. 


The  Merchant  Service  2y^ 

**  Do  stay  with  us,  Mr  Forster ;  pray,  don't  go,"  cried 
they  both. 

"  I  must,  indeed,  ladies  ;  you  are  perfectly  safe  here." 

"  For  God*s  sake,  don't  you  go  away,  Mr  Forster  ! " 
cried  Laura,  falling  on  her  knees.  "  I  shall  die  of  fright. 
— You  sha'n't  go ! "  screamed  Laura,  as  the  two  sisters 
clung  on  to  the  skirts  of  his  jacket,  and  effectually  pre- 
vented his  escape,  unless,  like  the  patriarch,  he  had  left 
his  garment  behind. 

Newton  cast  an  appealing  glance  at  Isabel,  who  im- 
mediately interfered, — "  Charlotte,  for  shame  !  you  are 
preventing  Mr  Forster  from  going  to  his  duty.  My  dear 
Laura,  do  not  be  so  foolish ;  Mr  Forster  can  be  of  no 
service  to  us  :  but  he  will  be  on  deck.     Let  go,  Laura." 

Newton  was  released.  *'  I  am  much  obliged  to  you. 
Miss  Isabel,"  said  Newton,  with  his  foot  on  the  ladder ; 
"  but  I  have  no  time  now  to  express  my  thanks — not  to 
be  on  deck " 

"  I  know  it,  Mr  Forster :  go  up,  I  beseech  you  ;  do 
not  wait  a  moment : "  and  Newton  sprang  up  the  ladder ; 
but  not  before  he  had  exchanged  with  Isabel  a  glance 
which,  had  he  been  deficient  in  courage,  would  have 
nerved  him  for  the  approaching  combat.  We  must  leave 
the  ladies  with  Mr  Ferguson  (who  had  no  pleasant  office), 
while  we  follow  Newton  on  deck.  The  stranger  had 
borne  down  with  studding-sails,  until  within  three  miles 
of  the  Indiamen,  when  she  rounded  to.  She  then  kept 
away  a  little,  to  close  nearer,  evidently  examining  the 
force  opposed  to  her.  The  Indiamen  had  formed  the 
line  of  battle  in  close  order,  the  private  signal  between 
English  men-of-war  and  East  India  ships  flying  at  their 
mast-heads. 

**  Extremely  strange,  that  she  does  not  answer  the 
private  signal,"  said  the  colonel  to  the  second  mate. 

*'  Not  at  all,  if  she  don't  know  how." 

**  You  are  convinced,  then,  that  she  is  a  French  frigate  ?  " 

"  No,  not  positive  ;  but  I'll  bet  you  ten  to  one  she  is  : — 
bet  off  if  either  of  us  are  killed,  of  course  !  " 
F  s 


274  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Thanky ;  I  never  bet,"  answered  the  colonel,  turning 
away. 

"  What  do  you  think  of  her,  Mr  Mathews  ? "  said 
Captain  Drawlock  to  the  first  mate,  who  had  his  eye  on 
the  ship. 

"  She  is  English  built  and  English  rigged,  sir,  that  I'll 
swear ;  look  at  her  lower  yard-arms,  the  squaring  of  her 
topsails.  She  may  be  French  now,  but  the  oak  in  her 
timbers  grew  in  Old  England." 

"  I  agree  with  you,"  said  Newton  :  "  look  at  the  rake  of 
her  stern ;  she  is  English  all  over." 

"  Then,  why  don't  she  answer  the  private  signal  ?  "  said 
Captain  Drawlock. 

"  She's  right  in  the  wind's -eye  of  us,  sir,  and  our  flags 
are  blowing  end  on  from  her." 

"  There  goes  up  her  bunting,  sir,"  cried  the  first  mate. 

"  English,  as  I  said.  The  commodore  is  answering,  sir. 
Up  with  the  ensign  there  abaft.    All's  right,  tell  the  ladies." 

"  I  will  I  I'll  go  and  inform  them,"  said  the  colonel ; 
who  immediately  descended  to  impart  the  joyful  intelli- 
gence. 

The  frigate  bore  down,  and  hove  to.  The  commodore 
of  the  India  squadron  went  on  board,  when  he  found  that 
she  was  cruising  for  some  large  Dutch  store-ships  and 
vessels  armed  en  Jlutej  which  were  supposed  to  have  sailed 
from  Java,  In  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  she  again  made  sail 
and  parted  company,  leaving  the  Indiamen  to  secure  their 
guns,  and  pursue  their  course. 

There  are  two  parties  whose  proceedings  we  had  over- 
looked;  we  refer  to  Miss  Tavistock  and  Dr  Plausible. 
The  latter  handed  the  lady  to  her  cabin,  eased  her  down 
upon  her  couch,  and  taking  her  hand  gently,  retained  it  in 
his  own,  while  with  his  other  he  continued  to  watch  her 
pulse. 

"  Do  not  alarm  yourself,  my  dear  Miss  Tavistock ;  your 
sensibility  is  immense.  I  will  not  leave  you.  I  cannot 
think  what  could  have  induced  you  to  trust  yourself  on 
such  a  voyage  of  danger  and  excitement." 


The  Merchant  Service  2y£ 

"  Oh !  Dr  Plausible,  where  my  affections  are  centred 
there  is  nothing,  weak  creature  that  I  am,  but  my  soul 
would  carry  me  through :  indeed  I  am  all  soul.  I  have  a 
dear  friend  in  India." 

"  He  is  most  happy,"  observed  the  doctor,  with  a 
sigh. 

"  Hey  Dr  Plausible !  you  quite  shock  me  !  Do  you 
imagine  for  a  moment  that  I  would  go  out  to  follow  any 
gentleman  ?  No,  indeed,  I  am  not  going  out  on  specula- 
tion, as  some  young  ladies.  I  have  enough  of  my  own, 
thank  God  !  I  keep  my  carriage  and  corresponding  estab- 
lishment, I  assure  you."  —  (The  very  thing  that  Dr 
Plausible  required.) 

"  Indeed !  my  dear  Miss  Tavistock,  is  it  then  really  a 
female  friend  ? " 

"  Yes  !  the  friend  of  my  childhood.  I  have  ventured 
this  tedious,  dangerous  voyage,  once  more  to  fold  her  in 
my  arms." 

"  Disinterested  affection  !  a  heart  like  yours,  miss,  were 
indeed  a  treasure  to  be  won.  What  a  happy  man  would 
your  husband  be  !  " 

"  Husband  !  Oh,  Dr  Plausible,  don't  mention  it :  I  feel 
convinced, — positively  convinced,  that  my  constitution  is 
not  strong  enough  to  bear  matrimony." 

The  doctor's  answer  was  too  prolix  for  insertion;  it  was 
a  curious  compound  dissertation  upon  love  and  physic, 
united.  There  was  devoted  attention,  extreme  gentle 
treatment,  study  of  pathology,  advantage  of  medical 
attendance  always  at  hand,  careful  nursing,  extreme 
solicitude,  fragility  of  constitution  restored,  propriety  of 
enlarging  the  circle  of  her  innocent  affections,  ending  at 
last  in  devoted  love,  and  a  proposal — to  share  her  carriage 
and  establishment. 

Miss  Tavistock  assumed  another  faint — the  shock  was 
so  great ;  but  the  doctor  knelt  by  her,  and  kissed  her 
hand,  with  well  affected  rapture.  At  last,  she  murmured 
out  a  low  assent,  and  fell  back,  as  if  exhausted  with  the 
effort.     The  doctor  removed  his  lips  from  her  hand  to  her 


276  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

mouth,  to  seal  the  contract ;  and,  as  she  yielded  to  his 
wishes,  almost  regretted  that  he  had  not  adhered  to  his 
previous  less  assuming  gallantry. 

Chapter  XXXVII 

**  'Tis  sweet  to  hear  the  watch-dog's  honest  bark. 

Bay  deep-mouth'd  welcome  as  we  draw  near  home ; 
*Tis  sweet  to  know  there  is  an  eye  will  mark 
Our  coming — and  look  brighter  when  we  come." 

B7R0N, 


Edward  Forster  returned  home  with  his  little  protegee, 
his  mind  relieved  from  the  weight  which  had  oppressed  it : 
he  knew  that  the  word  of  his  brother  was  his  bond,  and 
that  under  a  rough  exterior  he  concealed  a  generous  and 
sympathising  heart.  It  was  in  the  early  part  of  the  autumn 
that  he  again  took  possession  of  the  cottage ;  and  as  he 
once  more  seated  himself  in  his  old  arm-chair,  he  mentally 
exclaimed,  "  Here  then  am  I  again  at  anchor  for  a  short 
time,  until  summoned  to  another  world."  His  prophecy 
was  correct ;  during  the  severe  winter  that  followed,  his 
wound  opened  again,  and  his  constitution,  worn  out,  gave 
way  to  repeated  suffering.  He  had  not  been  confined  to 
his  bed  more  than  a  fortnight  when  he  felt  that  his  end 
was  approaching.  He  had  long  been  prepared :  nothing 
remained  to  be  done  but  to  write  a  letter  to  his  brother, 
which  he  confided  to  Robertson,  the  fisherman,  with 
directions  that  it  should  be  put  in  the  post-office  immedi- 
ately after  his  death ;  and  a  strict  charge  to  watch  over 
the  little  girl,  until  she  should  be  sent  for  by  his  brother. 

This  last  necessary  act  had  been  completed  when 
Robertson,  who  was  standing  by  the  side  of  the  bed, 
with  the  letter  in  his  hand,  informed  him  that  the  family  at 
the  Hall  had  returned  from  the  Continent  on  the  evening 
before,  with  their  only  son,  who  was  now  restored  to 
health.  This  intelligence  induced  Forster  to  alter  his 
plans ;   and  trusting    to   the   former   friendship   of  Lord 


The  Merchant  Service  *i']'] 

Aveleyn,  he  despatched  Robertson  to  the  Hall,  stating  his 
own  condition,  and  requesting  that  his  lordship  would 
come  to  the  cottage.  Lord  Aveleyn  immediately  obeyed 
the  summons  j  and  perceiving  at  the  first  glance  that 
Forster's  situation  debarred  all  chance  of  recovery,  took 
upon  himself  with  willingness  the  charge  of  the  letter,  and 
promised  to  receive  Amber  into  his  house  until  it  was 
convenient  that  she  should  be  removed.  It  was  dark  when 
Lord  Aveleyn,  with  melancholy  foreboding,  took  his  last 
farewell ;  for,  ere  the  sun  had  risen  again,  the  spirit  of 
Edward  Forster  had  regained  its  liberty,  and  soared  to  the 
empyrean,  while  the  deserted  Amber  wept  and  prayed. 

Edward  Forster  had  not  concealed  from  her  the  pre- 
carious tenure  of  his  existence,  and  since  their  return  from 
London  had  made  her  fully  acquainted  with  all  the  particu- 
lars connected  with  her  own  history.  The  last  few  weeks, 
every  interval  of  suffering  had  been  devoted  by  him  to 
enforce  those  principles  which  he  ever  had  inculcated,  and 
to  prepare  for  the  event  which  had  now  taken  place. 

Amber  was  kneeling  by  the  side  of  the  bed ;  she  had 
been  there  so  long  that  she  was  not  aware  that  it  was 
broad  day.  Her  face,  laid  upon  her  hands,  was  completely 
hidden  by  her  luxuriant  hair,  which  had  escaped  from  the 
confinement  of  the  comb,  when  the  door  of  the  chamber  of 
death  was  softly  opened.  Amber,  who  either  did  not  hear 
the  noise  or  thought  it  was  the  daughter  of  Robertson, 
who  lived  as  servant  in  the  cottage,  raised  not  her  head. 
The  steps  continued  to  approach,  then  the  sound  ceased, 
and  Amber  felt  the  arms  of  some  one  encircling  her  waist 
to  raise  her  from  her  kneeling  posture.  She  lifted  up  her 
head,  and  dividing  the  hair  from  her  forehead,  that  she 
might  see  who  it  was,  perceived  that  it  was  young  Aveleyn 
who  was  hanging  over  her. 

"  My  poor  little  girl !  "  said  he  in  a  tone  of  commisera- 
tion. 

**Oh!  William  Aveleyn,"  cried  Amber,  bursting  into  a 
paroxysm  of  tears,  as  she  was  folded  in  his  arms. 

The   sorrow   of   youth    is    sympathetic,   and  William 


278  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

Aveleyn,  although  seventeen  years  old,  and  fast  advancing 
to  manhood,  did  not  disdain  to  mingle  his  tears  with  those 
of  his  former  playmate.  It  was  some  time  before  he  could 
persuade  Amber,  who  clung  to  him  in  her  grief,  to  any 
degree  of  serenity. 

"  Amber  dear,  you  must  come  to  us  at  the  Hall ;  this  is 
no  place  for  you  now." 

"  And  why  not,  William  ?  Why  should  I  leave  so 
soon  ?  I'm  not  afraid  of  being  here,  or  lying  by  his  side 
alone  :  I've  seen  other  people  die.  I  saw  Mrs  Beazely  die 
— I  saw  poor  *  Faithful '  die  ;  and  now,  they  all  are  dead," 
said  Amber,  bursting  into  tears,  and  burying  her  face  in 
William  Aveleyn's  bosom.  "  I  knew  that  he  was  to  die," 
said  she,  raising  her  head,  after  a  time — "  he  told  me  so ; 
but,  to  think  that  I  shall  never  hear  him  speak  again — 
that  very  soon  I  shall  never  see  him  more — I  must  cry, 
William." 

"But  your  father  is  happy.  Amber." 

"  He  is  happy,  I  know  ;  but  he  was  not  my  father, 
William.  I  have  no  father — no  friend  on  earth  I  know  of. 
He  told  me  all  before  he  died  j  *  Faithful '  brought  me 
from  the  sea." 

This  intelligence  roused  the  curiosity  of  William 
Aveleyn,  who  interrogated  Amber,  and  obtained  from  her 
the  whole  of  the  particulars  communicated  by  Edward 
Forster ;  and,  as  she  answered  to  his  many  questions,  she 
grew  more  composed. 

The  narrative  had  scarcely  been  finished,  when  Lord 
Aveleyn,  who  had  been  summoned  by  Robertson,  drove 
to  the  door  accompanied  by  Lady  Aveleyn,  who  thought 
that  her  presence  and  persuasions  would  more  readily 
induce  Amber  to  leave  the  cottage.  Convinced  by  her  of 
the  propriety  of  the  proposal.  Amber  was  put  into  the 
carriage  without  resistance,  and  conveyed  to  the  Hall, 
where  everything  that  kindness  and  sympathy  could 
suggest  was  resorted  to,  to  assuage  her  grief.  There  we 
must  leave  her,  and  repair  to  the  metropolis. 

"  Scratton,"  said  Mr  John  Forster  to  his  clerk,  who  had 


The  Merchant  Service  279 

answered   the   bell,  **  recollect   I   cannot   see  anyone  to- 
day." 

"  You    have   several    appointments,    sir,"   replied    the 
clerk. 

**  Then  send,  and  put  them  all  off." 

"  Yes,  sir  ;  and  if  anyone  calls,  I  am  to  say  that  you  are 
not  at  home  ? " 

"  No,  I  am  at  home ;  why  tell  a  lie  ?  but  I  cannot  see 
anybody." 

The  clerk  shut  the  door ;  John  Forster  put  on  his 
spectacles  to  re-peruse  the  letter  which  lay  before  him. 
It  was  the  one  from  Edward,  inclosed  in  a  frank  by  Lord 
Aveleyn,  with  a  few  lines,  announcing  his  brother's  death, 
and  stating  that  Amber  was  at  the  Hall,  where  they  should 
be  glad  that  she  should  remain  until  it  was  convenient  to 
send  for  her.  Edward's  letter  repeated  his  thanks  to  his 
brother  for  his  kind  promise,  and  took  a  last  and  affection- 
ate farewell.  John  Forster  struggled  for  a  time  with  his 
feelings  ;  but  the  more  he  attempted  to  repress  them  the 
more  violent  they  became.  He  was  alone,  and  he  gave 
them  vent.  The  legal  documents  before  him,  arising  from 
the  bitterness  of  strife,  were  thus  unusually  moistened 
with  a  tribute  to  a  brother's  memory.  But  in  a  few 
moments  the  old  lawyer  was  himself  again  ;  all  traces  of 
emotion  had  disappeared,  and  no  one  who  had  seen  him 
then  would  ever  have  imagined  that  John  Forster  could 
have  been  thus  moved.  The  next  day  he  was  not  as  usual 
to  be  found  at  his  chambers  :  the  fact  was,  that  he  had  set 
off  immediately  after  breakfast,  upon  what  is  generally 
termed  "  house  hunting."  The  apartments  which  he 
occupied  in  his  chambers  were  not  sufficient  for  the  in- 
tended increase  of  his  establishment ;  and  when  he  had  given 
his  promise  to  Edward,  he  was  fully  aware  of  the  expense 
which  would  be  entailed  by  receiving  Amber,  and  had 
made  up  his  mind  to  incur  it.  He  therefore  fixed  upon 
a  convenient  house  in  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields,  which  would 
not  detach  him  far  from  his  chambers.  Having  arranged 
for  a  lease  of  twelve  years,  John  Forster  returned  to  his 
chambers. 


2  8o  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"Scratton,"  said  he,  "look  out  for  a  man-servant,  a 
cook,  housemaid,  and  a  steady  woman  as  housekeeper — 
good  characters,  and  undeniable  reference.  The  house- 
keeper must  be  a  somewhat  superior  person,  as  she  will 
have  to  take  charge  of  a  young  miss,  and  I  do  not  want 
her  spoiled  by  keeping  company  with  the  general  descrip- 
tion of  servants.     Do  you  understand  ? " 

Scrattan  did  j  and  in  less  than  a  month,  as  everything  is 
to  be  obtained  for  money  in  the  city  of  London,  the  house 
was  furnished  by  a  city  upholsterer  in  a  plain  way,  and  all 
the  servants  installed  in  their  respective  situations. 

Mr  John  Forster  took  possession  of  his  new  house,  and 
tried  for  a  week  if  all  worked  well.  Ascertaining  that  the 
furniture  was  complete,  the  under-servants  well  behaved, 
and  the  housekeeper  a  mild  and  very  intelligent  personage, 
fit  to  be  intrusted  with  the  charge  of  a  little  girl,  he  then 
wrote  to  Lord  Aveleyn,  reiterating  the  thanks  conveyed 
in  his  former  letter,  and  requesting  that  Amber  might  be 
delivered  into  the  charge  of  the  bearer.  With  this  letter 
Mr  Scratton  was  despatched,  and,  in  due  time,  arrived  at 
the  Hall.  Amber  wept  bitterly  at  the  idea  of  parting  with 
those  who  had  been  so  kind  to  her,  and  passing  into  the 
hands  of  one  who  was  a  stranger.  Having  exacted  a 
promise  from  William  Aveleyn  that  he  would  call  as  he 
passed  though  on  his  way  to  Cambridge,  she  bade  her 
kind  friends  farewell,  entered  the  chaise  in  company  with 
Mr  Scratton,  and  was  hurried  off  to  London. 

Mr  Scratton  was  one  of  those  personages  who  never 
spoke  except  on  business ;  and,  having  no  business  to 
transact  with  a  girl  of  twelve  years  old,  he  never  spoke  at 
all,  except  when  necessity  rendered  it  imperative.  Amber 
was,  therefore,  left  to  her  own  reflections.  What  they 
all  were,  I  cannot  tell,  but  one  certainly  was,  that  travelling 
in  a  chaise  for  two  days  with  Mr  Scratton  was  not  very 
agreeable.  Most  happy  was  she  when  they  drove  up  to 
the  door  of  Mr  John  Forster's  new  habitation.  The  old 
gentleman,  who  had  calculated  the  hour  of  her  arrival  after 
the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  her  companion,  was  there  to 


The  Merchant  Service  281 

receive  her.  Amber,  who  had  been  prepossessed  in  his 
favour  by  Edward  Forster,  who  had  told  her  that  in  his 
brother  she  would  find  a  protector  and  indulgent  parent, 
ran  up  to  him  when  she  entered  the  room,  and  burst  into 
tears  as  the  injunctions  of  Edward  Forster  returned  to  her 
memory.  John  Forster  took  her  in  his  arms  and  kissed 
her.  "My  little  girl,"  said  he,  "what  my  brother  was, 
such  will  I  be  to  you.  Consider  me  as  your  father ;  for 
his  memory,  and  I  hope  soon,  for  your  own  sake,  I  shall 
rejoice  to  be  so." 

After  an  hour,  by  which  time  Amber  had  recovered  her 
serenity,  and  become  almost  cheerful,  she  was  consigned  to 
the  charge  of  Mrs  Smith,  the  housekeeper,  and  John  Forster 
hastened  back  to  his  chambers  and  his  clients,  to  make  up 
for  so  much  lost  time. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  old  gentleman  discovered  that 
the  trouble  and  expense  which  he  had  incurred  to  please 
his  brother  was  the  occasion  of  pleasure  and  gratification. 
He  no  longer  felt  isolated  in  the  world :  in  short,  he  had  a 
home,  where  a  beaming  eye  met  his  return,  and  an  afl^ec- 
tionate  heart  ministered  to  his  wishes  ;  where  his  well 
known  rap  at  the  door  was  a  source  of  delight,  and  his 
departure  one  of  regret. 

In  a  few  months  Amber  had  entwined  herself  round  the 
old  man's  heart :  the  best  masters  were  procured  for  her, 
and  all  the  affection  of  a  doting  parent  upon  an  only  child 
was  bestowed  by  him  who,  when  the  proposition  was  made, 
had  declared  that  "  it  was  bad  enough  to  maintain  children 
of  one's  own  begetting." 

Bless  my  soul !  how  poor  authors  are  obliged  to  gallop 
about.  Now  I  must  be  off  again  to  India,  and  get  on 
board  of  the  Bombay  Castle, 


aSa  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter  XXXVIII 

"  A  green  and  gilded  snake  had  wreathed  itself, 
Who,  with  her  head,  nimble  in  threats,  approach'd 
The  opening  of  his  mouth." 

Shakespeare. 

The  Bombay  Castle  arrived  at  Madras  without  further 
adventure.  A  few  hours  after  she  had  anchored,  all  the 
passengers,  receiving  kind  messages  from,  or  escorted  on 
shore  by  their  relatives  or  consignees,  had  landed  ;  all, 
with  the  exception  of  the  three  Miss  Revels,  whose  anxiety 
to  land  was  increased  by  the  departure  of  the  others,  and 
the  unpleasant  situation  in  which  they  were  placed,  by 
remaining  a  clog  upon  Captain  Drawlock,  who  would  not 
quit  his  ship  until  he  had  surrendered  up  his  charge.  By 
inquiry  of  the  dubashes.  Captain  Drawlock  found  out  that 
old  Colonel  Revel  was  residing  at  his  bungalow,  about  two 
miles  distant  from  the  fort;  and  supposing  him  not  to  be 
aware  of  the  arrival  of  his  grand-nieces,  he  despatched 
Newton  Forster  to  acquaint  him  with  the  circumstance. 
It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  when  Newton  arrived  at  the 
residence  of  the  colonel,  when  he  perceived  immediately 
that  everything  was  on  the  establishment  of  an  old  Indian 
nabob.  A  double  set  of  palanquin-bearers  were  stretched 
under  the  verandas ;  syces  w^ere  fanning  the  horses  with 
their  chowries,  tailors  and  various  craftsmen  were  at  work 
in  the  shade,  while  a  herd  of  consumers,  butlers,  and  other 
Indian  domestics,  were  loitering  about,  or  very  busy  doing 
nothing. 

It  will  be  necessary,  before  Newton  is  introduced  to  the 
colonel,  that  the  colonel  should  be  introduced  to  the 
reader.  He  was  a  man  of  nearly  sixty  years  of  age,  forty- 
five  of  which,  with  the  exception  of  occasional  furlough, 
had  been  passed  in  the  country.  Having  held  several 
lucrative  situations  for  many  years,  and,  although  not 
parsimonious,  being  very  prudent  in  money  concerns,  he 
had  amassed  a  very  large  fortune.     More  than  once  he  had 


The  Merchant  Service  283 

returned  to  England  on  leave,  and  with  the  full  Intention 
of  remaining  there,  if  he  could  be  comfortable  ;  but  a  few 
months  in  his  native  country  only  made  him  more  anxious 
to  return  to  India.  His  habits,  his  tastes,  were  all  Eastern; 
the  close  hospitality,  the  cold  winter  of  England,  the  loss 
of  consequence,  naturally  resulting  when  a  man  mixes  in 
the  crowd  of  London,  all  disgusted  him,  and  he  invariably 
returned  to  India  long  before  his  furlough  had  expired. 
He  was  a  bachelor  from  choice.  When  young,  he  had 
been  very  cruelly  treated  by  the  object  of  his  admiration, 
who  deserted  him  for  a  few  lacs  of  rupees,  which  offered 
themselves  with  an  old  man  as  their  appendage.  This  had 
raised  his  bile  against  the  sex  in  general,  whom  he  con- 
sidered as  mercenary  and  treacherous.  His  parties  were 
numerous  and  expensive,  but  women  were  never  to  be  seen 
in  his  house ;  and  his  confirmed  dislike  to  them  was  the 
occasion  of  his  seldom  visiting,  except  with  those  who  were 
like  himself  in  a  state  of  happy  singleness.  In  other  points, 
he  was  a  liberal,  worthy  man,  and  a  perfect  gentleman,  but 
extremely  choleric  in  disposition. 

Newton  addressed  himself  to  one  of  the  butlers,  re- 
questing to  be  announced.  The  man  led  the  way  to  a 
spacious  hall,  coated  and  floored  with  chunam,  when 
Newton  perceived  the  colonel,  who  presented  rather  a 
singular  spectacle.  "  Burra  Saib  j  Saib,"  said  the  Indian, 
and  immediately  retired. 

The  colonel  was  a  tall,  gaunt  man,  with  high  cheek- 
bones, bushy  eyebrows,  and  white  hair.  He  was  seated 
on  a  solitary  chair  in  the  centre  of  the  hall ;  his  dress 
consisting  of  a  pair  of  white  nankeen  trousers  and  a  white 
shirt,  the  sleeves  of  the  latter  tucked  up  to  his  shoulders, 
and  exposing  sinewy  arms,  covered  with  hair.  By  his 
side  lay  a  basket  of  mangoes,  and  before  his  chair  a  large 
tub  of  water.  As  Newton  entered,  he  had  an  opportunity 
of  witnessing  the  most  approved  method  of  eating  this 
exquisite  fruit.  The  colonel  had  then  one  as  large  as 
a  cassowary's  egg,  held  in  both  hands,  and  applied  to 
his    mouth,  while   he   held   his    head   over   the    tub   of 


284  Newton  Forster;  or, 

water,  to  catch  the  superabundant  juice  which  flowed 
over  his  face,  hands  and  arms,  and  covered  them  with 
a  yellow  stain.  The  contents  of  the  mango  were  soon 
exhausted ;  the  stone  and  pulp  were  dropped  into  the 
tub  of  water,  and  the  colonel's  hand  was  extended  to 
the  basket  for  a  repetition  of  his  luxurious  feast,  when 
Newton  was  announced.  Newton  was  sorry  to  interrupt 
him,  and  would  have  made  an  apology,  had  he  not  ob- 
served that  the  colonel,  whose  back  was  towards  him, 
continued  his  pleasing  avocation :  the  fact  was  that  the 
colonel  was  so  intent  upon  his  occupation  that  he  had 
neither  heard  the  announcement  nor  could  he  perceive 
Newton,  who  thus  had  an  opportunity  of  witnessing  the 
demolition  of  at  least  two  dozen  more  mangoes  without 
the  colonel  having  turned  his  eyes  in  that  direction,  or 
being  aware  that  he  was  not  alone.  But  something  at 
length  attracted  the  attention  of  Newton,  and  induced 
him  to  come  forward,  and  put  an  end  to  the  colonel's 
repast.  The  colonel  had  just  taken  another  mango  out 
of  the  basket,  when  Newton  perceived  a  small  snake 
wind  itself  over  the  rim,  and  curl  up  one  of  the  feet  of 
the  colonel's  chair,  in  such  a  position  that  the  very  next 
time  that  the  colonel  reached  out  his  hand,  he  must  have 
come  in  contact  with  the  reptile.  Newton  hardly  knew 
how  to  act ;  the  slightest  movement  of  the  old  gentleman 
might  be  fatal  to  him ;  he  therefore  walked  up  softly 
and  was  about  to  strike  the  reptile  on  the  head  with  his 
stick,  when  the  colonel,  as  he  leant  over  the  tub,  half 
rose  from  the  chair.  In  an  instant,  Newton  snatched  it 
from  under  him,  and  jerked  it,  with  the  snake,  to  the 
corner  of  the  hall.  The  co.^onel,  whose  centre  of  gravity 
had  not  been  thrown  sufficiently  forward  to  enable  him 
to  keep  his  feet,  fell  backward,  when  Newton  and  he 
both  rolled  on  the  floor  together  ;  and  also  both  recovered 
their  legs  at  the  same  time. 

**  You'll  excuse  me,  sir,"  said  Newton. 

*'  I'll  be  d — d  if  I  do,  sir  !  "  interrupted  the  colonel,  in 
a  rage.     "  Who  the  devil  are  you  ? — and  how  dare  you 


The  Merchant  Service  285 

presume  to  play  off  such  impertinent  jokes  upon  a 
stranger  ? — Where  did  you  come  from  ? — How  did  you 
get  in,  sir  ? " 

"  Is  that  a  joke,  sir  ?  "  replied  Newton,  calmly  pointing 
to  the  snake,  which  was  still  hissing  in  its  wrath  at  the 
corner  of  the  room  where  the  chair  lay.  Newton  then 
briefly  explained  the  circumstances. 

"  Sir,  I  beg  your  pardon  a  thousand  times,  and  am  very 
much  your  debtor.  It  is  the  most  venomous  snake  that 
we  have  in  the  country.  I  trust  you  will  accept  my 
apology  for  a  moment's  irritation  ;  and,  at  the  same  time, 
my  sincere  thanks."  The  colonel  then  summoned  the 
servants,  who  provided  themselves  with  bamboos,  and 
soon  despatched  the  object  which  had  occasioned  the  mis- 
understanding. The  colonel  then  apologised  to  Newton, 
while  he  repaired  to  the  bath,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
returned,  having  undergone  this  necessary  ablution  after 
a  mango  feast.  His  dress  was  changed,  and  he  offered 
the  appearance  of  an  upright,  gentleman-like,  hard-featured 
man,  who  had  apparently  gone  through  a  great  deal  of 
service  without  his  stamina  having  been  much  impaired. 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  my  dear  sir,  for  detaining  you. 
May  I  request  the  pleasure  of  your  name  and  the  occasion 
of  your  providential  visit  ?  " 

**  I  have  a  letter  for  you,  sir,"  replied  Newton,  who 
had  been  intrusted  with  the  one  which  Mr  Revel  had 
given  to  his  daughters  on  their  embarkation. 

"  Oh  !  a  letter  of  introduction.  It  is  now  quite  super- 
fluous, you  have  already  introduced  yourself." 

"  No,  sir,  it  is  not  a  letter  of  recommendation  in  my 
behalf,  but  to  announce  the  arrival  of  your  three  grand- 
nieces — daughters  of  the  Honourable  Mr  Revel — in  the 
Bombay  Castle,  the  ship  to  which  I  belong." 

"  What  ?  "  roared  the  colonel,  "  my  three  grand-nieces  ! 
daughters  of  Mr  Revel !  " 

**  So  I  have  understood  from  them,  sir." 

The  colonel  tore  open  the  letter,  in  which  Mr  Revel 
very  coolly  informed  him  that  not  having  received  any 


2  85  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

answers  to  his  former  epistles  on  the  subject,  he  pre- 
sumed that  they  had  miscarried,  and  had  therefore  been 
induced,  in  consequence  of  the  difficulties  which  he 
laboured  under,  to  send  his  daughters  out  to  his  kind 
protection.  The  colonel,  as  soon  as  he  had  finished  the 
perusal  of  the  letter,  tore  it  into  pieces  again  and  again, 
every  renewed  action  showing  an  increase  of  excitement. 
He  then  threw  the  fragments  on  the  floor,  stamping  upon 
them  in  an  ecstasy  of  rage. 

"  The  d — d  scoundrel ! — the  villain  ! — the  rascal ! — 
Do  you  know,  sir,  that  when  I  was  last  in  England  this 
fellow  swindled  me  out  of  a  thousand  pounds  ?  Yes, 
sir,  a  thousand  pounds,  by  G — d  !  promised  to  pay  me 
in  three  weeks ;  and  when  I  was  coming  back,  and  asked 
him  for  my  money,  he  laughed  at  me,  and  ordered  his 
servant  not  to  let  me  in.  And  now  he  has  sent  out  his 
three  daughters  to  me — pawned  them  off  upon  me,  laugh- 
ing, I  suppose,  in  his  sleeve,  as  he  did  when  he  cheated 
me  before.  I'll  not  receive  them,  by  G — d  !  they  may 
find  their  way  back  again  how  they  can ; "  and  the 
colonel  paced  the  room  up  and  down,  throwing  his  arms 
about  in  his  fury. 

Newton  waited  some  time  before  he  ventured  to  make 
any  observation;  indeed,  he  was  so  astonished  at  such 
an  unheard-of  proceeding,  and  so  shocked  at  the  un- 
fortunate situation  of  Isabel,  that  he  hardly  knew  what 
to  say. 

"  Am  I  then  to  inform  the  young  ladies  that  you  will 
not  receive  them  ?  " 

**  You  don't  know  me,  sir.  "When  did  I  ever  receive 
a  woman  into  my  house  ?  They  are  all  alike,  sir.  Plotted 
with  their  father,  I'll  answer  for,  with  the  hopes  of 
getting  husbands.  Tell  them,  sir,  that  I'll  see  them  d — d 
first !  Swindling  scoundrel  ! — first  cheats  me  out  of  a 
thousand  pounds,  and  then  tries  to  cheat  me  into  provid- 
ing for  his  family  !  '* 

Newton  paused  a  little,  to  allow  the  colonel's  wrath 
to  subside,  and   then  observed — "I  never  was  so  much 


The  Merchant  Service  287 

distressed  as  to  be  the  bearer  of  your  message.  The 
young  ladies  are  certainly  no  parties  to  their  father's 
dishonesty,  and  are  in  a  situation  much  to  be  pitied.  In 
a  foreign  country,  thousands  of  miles  from  their  friends, 
without  means  of  subsistence,  or  of  paying  their  passage 
home.     What  is  to  become  of  them  ?  " 

"  I  don't  care." 

**  That  your  indignation  is  just.  Colonel  Revel,  I  admit ; 
but  allowing  that  you  will  not  receive  them,  how  are  they 
to  return  home  ?  Captain  Drawlock,  I  am  sure,  would 
give  them  a  passage  ;  but  we  proceed  to  China.  Poor 
girls  !  "  continued  Newton,  with  a  sigh.  "  I  should  like  to 
make  a  remark.  Colonel  Revel,  if  it  were  not  considered 
too  great  a  liberty  in  a  stranger." 

"  You  have  already  taken  a  liberty  which  in  all  pro- 
bability has  saved  my  life.  I  shall  be  happy  to  listen  to 
any  remark  that  you  may  wish  to  offer." 

"  It  was,  sir,  that,  reprehensible  as  their  father's  conduct 
may  be,  common  humanity,  and  a  regard  for  your  own 
character,  will  hardly  warrant  their  being  left  thus  destitute. 
They,  at  least,  are  your  relations,  and  have  neither  offended 
nor  deceived  you ;  on  the  contrary,  are,  with  you,  joint 
victims  of  their  father's  deception." 

"  You  appear  to  take  a  great  interest  in  these  young 
ladies,"  observed  the  colonel,  sharply. 

"  If  I  had  never  seen  them,  sir,  their  present  un- 
fortunate dilemma  would  be  sufficient.  Knowing  them 
intimately  as  I  do,  I  must  say  that  this  intelligence  will 
be,  to  one,  at  least,  a  death-blow.  I  would  to  God  that 
I  were  able  to  assist  and  protect  her !  " 

"  Very  handsome,  then,  I  presume  ? "  replied  the 
colonel,  with  a  sneer. 

"  She  certainly  is,  sir  ;  but  it  was  not  admiration  of  her 
beauty  which  occasioned  the  remark.  If  you  knew  her, 
sir,  you  would  be  as  sorry  to  part  with  her,  as  you  now 
appear  to  be  to  receive  her." 

The  colonel  continued  to  pace  the  room,  but  with  less 
violence  than  before.     Newton  observed  this,  and  there- 


288  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

fore  was  silent,  hoping  that  reflection  would  induce  him 
to  alter  his  resolution.  In  a  few  minutes,  apparently 
forgetting  the  presence  of  Newton,  the  colonel  commenced 
talking  to  himself  aloud,  muttering  out  a  few  detached 
phrases  : — "  Must  take  them  in,  by  G — d !  Couldn't 
show  my  face — no  where — d — d  scoundrel !  Keep  them 
here  till  next  ship — till  they  are  as  yellow  as  gamboge, 
then  send  them  home — revenge  in  that." 

Thus  did  the  old  gentleman  mutter  loud  enough  for 
Newton  to  overhear.  A  few  minutes  more  were  spent 
in  perambulation,  when  he  threw  himself  into  the  chair. 

**I  think,  my  young  acquaintance,  you  appear  to  be 
interested  for  these  relations  of  mine ;  or  at  least  for  one 
of  them." 

**  I  certainly  am,  sir ;  and  so  is  everyone  who  is 
acquainted  with  her." 

"  Well,  I  am  glad  to  hear  that  there  is  one  good  out  of 
the  three.  I  have  been  put  in  a  passion— no  wonder ;  and 
I  have  said  more  than  should  be  repeated.  Were  it  known 
that  these  girls  had  been  sent  out  to  me  in  this  way,  the 
laugh  would  be  raised  against  me,  as  it  is  known  that  I 
am  not  very  partial  to  women ;  and  it  would  also  be  of 
serious  injury  to  them  and  their  prospects.  I  have  deter- 
mined upon  receiving  them,  for  the  best  of  all  possible 
reasons — I  can't  help  myself.  You  will,  therefore,  add 
to  the  obligations  of  this  day,  by  saying  nothing  about 
what  has  been  made  known  to  you." 

"  Most  certainly,  sir  5  I  will  pledge  you  my  honour,  if 
it  is  requested." 

"  When  I  say  not  mention  it,  I  mean  to  other  parties ; 
but  to  the  girls,  I  must  request  you  to  state  the  facts.  I 
will  not  have  them  come  here,  pawing  and  fondling,  and 
wheedling  me  as  an  old  bachelor,  with  a  few  lacs  of  rupees 
to  be  coaxed  out  of.  It  would  make  me  sick ;  I  detest 
women  and  their  ways.  Now,  if  they  are  informed  of 
the  real  state  of  the  case,  that  they  are  here  only  on 
sufferance ;  that  I  neither  wished  nor  want  them ;  and 
that  I  have  been  imposed  upon  by  their  scoundrel  of  a 


The  Merchant  Service  289 

father,  I  may  keep  them  at  the  other  end  of  the  bungalow, 
and  not  be  annoyed  with  their  company ;  until,  upon  plea 
of  bad  health,  or  some  other  excuse,  I  can  pay  their 
passage  back  again." 

"Could  you  not  state  these  facts  yourself,  sir?" 

"  No,  I  never  meddle  with  women ;  besides,  it  is  better 
that  they  should  know  it  before  they  come  here.  If  you 
will  promise  me  what  I  now  request,  why,  I  will  consent 
to  give  them  house-room ;  if  not,  they  may  stay  where 
they  are.  It  will  be  but  a  few  days'  laugh  at  me,  or 
abuse  of  me,  I  care  little  which." 

"Well,  sir,  unpleasant  as  this  intelligence  must  be, 
their  present  suspense  is  still  more  so.  You  will  allow 
me  to  disclose  it  in  as  delicate  a  manner  as  possible." 

"  You  may  be  as  refined  as  you  please,  provided  that 
you  tell  the  exact  truth,  which  I  am  convinced  that  you 
will,  by  your  countenance." 

"  Then,  I  will  take  my  leave,  sir,"  replied  Newton. 

"  Fare  you  well,  my  dear  sir ;  recollect  that  my  house 
is  your  home ;  and  although  not  fond  of  the  society  of 
women,  I  shall  be  delighted  with  yours.  The  young 
ladies  may  be  brought  on  shore  to  the  hotel,  and  I  will 
send  a  carriage  for  them.  Good-bye, — What  is  your 
name  ? " 

"  Forster,  sir." 

"Good-bye,  then,  Mr  Forster,  for  the  present;"  and 
the  colonel  quitted  the  room. 


290  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter  XXXIX 

"  Then  there  were  sighs,  the  deeper  for  suppression, 
And  stolen  glances,  sweeter  for  the  theft, 

And  burning  blushes,  though  for  no  transgression, 
Tremblings  when  met,  and  restlessness  when  left. 

All  these  are  little  preludes  to  possession, 
Of  which  young  passion  cannot  be  bereft, 

And  merely  tend  to  show  how  greatly  love  is 


Btron. 


It  was  in  no  very  happy  frame  of  mind  that  Newton 
quitted  the  colonel  s  house  to  execute  his  mission  to  the 
Miss  Revels.  That  the  two  eldest,  provided  they  were 
admitted,  would  not  much  take  to  heart  either  the  conduct 
of  their  father  or  the  coolness  of  their  relation,  he  was 
pretty  well  assured ;  but  he  was  too  well  acquainted  with 
Isabefs  character  not  to  know  that  she  would  deeply  feel 
the  humiliating  situation  in  which  she  was  placed,  and 
that  it  would  prey  upon  her  generous  and  sensitive  mind. 
As,  however,  there  was  no  remedy,  he  almost  congratulated 
himself  that,  as  the  colonel's  message  was  to  be  delivered, 
the  commission  had  been  placed  in  his  trust. 

Captain  Drawlock,  tired  of  waiting,  had  escorted  the 
young  ladies  on  shore  to  the  hotel,  anxiously  expecting 
the  arrival  of  Newton,  who  was  conducted  there  by  a 
messenger  despatched  to  intercept  him. 

"  Well,  Mr  Forster,  is  it  all  right  ? "  said  Captain 
Drawlock,  on  his  appearance. 

"  The  colonel's  carriage  will  be  here  for  the  ladies  in 
less  than  half  an  hour,"  replied  Newton,  evasively, 

"  Then,  Miss  Revels,  as  I  am  extremely  busy,  I  shall 
wish  you  good-morning,  and  will  have  the  pleasure  of 
paying  my  respects  before  I  sail.  Allow  me  to  offer  you 
my  best  thanks  for  your  company  during  our  voyage,  and 
to  assure  you  how  much  your  presence  has  contributed  to 
enliven  it.  Forster,  you  will,  of  course,  remain  with  the 
Miss  Revels,  and  see  them  safe  in  the  carriage ; "  and 


The  Merchant  Service  291 

Captain  Drawlock,  who  appeared  to  consider  his  responsi- 
bility over  with  the  voyage,  shook  hands  with  them,  and 
quitted  the  hotel. 

"  Mr  Forster,"  said  Isabel,  as  soon  as  Captain  Drawlock 
was  out  of  hearing,  "  I  am  sure,  by  your  countenance,  that 
there  has  been  something  unpleasant.     Is  it  not  so  ?  " 

**  I  am  sorry  to  answer  in  the  affirmative,  and  more 
sorry  to  be  forced  to  impart  the  cause."  Newton  then 
entered  into  a  detail  of  what  had  passed  at  the  colonel's 
house.  Isabel  listened  to  it  with  attention,  her  sisters 
with  impatience.  Miss  Charlotte,  with  an  air  of  consterna- 
tion, inquired  whether  the  colonel  had  refused  to  receive 
them  ;  on  being  informed  to  the  contrary,  she  appeared  to 
be  satisfied.  Laura  simpered,  and  observed,  "  How  very 
odd  of  papa  !  "  and  then  seemed  to  think  no  more  about 
it.  Isabel  made  no  observation ;  she  remained  on  her 
chair,  apparently  in  deep  and  painful  thoaght. 

A  few  minutes  after  the  communication  the  colonel's 
carriage  made  its  appearance,  and  Newton  proposed  that 
they  should  quit  the  hotel.  Charlotte  and  Laura  were  all 
ready  and  impatient,  but  Isabel  remained  seated  by  the 
table. 

"  Come,  Isabel,"  cried  Charlotte. 

"  I  cannot  go,  my  dear  Charlotte,"  replied  Isabel ;  "  but 
do  not  let  me  prevent  you  or  Laura  from  deciding  for 
yourselves." 

"  Not  go  !  "  cried  the  two  sisters  at  once.  Isabel  was 
firm ;  and  Newton,  who  did  not  think  himself  authorised 
to  interfere,  was  a  silent  witness  to  the  continued  per- 
suasions and  expostulations  of  the  two  elder,  and  the 
refusal  of  the  younger  sister.  Nearly  half  an  hour  thus 
passed  away,  when  Charlotte  and  Laura  decided  that  they 
would  go,  and  send  back  the  carriage  for  Isabel,  who  by 
that  time  would  have  come  to  her  senses.  The  heartless, 
unthinking  girls  tripped  gaily  down  to  the  carriage,  and 
drove  off.  Newton,  who  had  escorted  them,  retraced  his 
steps,  with  a  beating  heart,  to  the  room  where  he  had  left 
Isabel. 


292  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

She  was  in  tears. 

"  Do  I  intrude,  Miss  Revel  ?  "  said  Newton,  who  could 
not  repress  his  emotion  at  the  sight. 

"  Oh,  no  !  I  expected  and  wished  that  you  would 
return,  Mr  Forster.  Do  you  think  that  you  could  find 
Captain  Drawlock  ?  I  should  feel  much  obliged  if  you 
would  take  that  trouble  for  me.'* 

"  I  will  immediately  go  in  search  of  him,  if  you  wish  it. 
Believe  me,  Miss  Revel,  I  feel  most  sincerely  for  your 
situation ;  and,  if  it  were  not  considered  an  impertinent 
question,  I  should  ask  you  what  may  be  your  present 
intentions  ?  " 

"  Acquainted  as  you  are  with  all  the  circumstances,  Mr 
Forster,  the  question  is  not  impertinent,  but  kind.  God 
knows  that  I  require  an  adviser.  I  would,  if  possible, 
conceal  the  facts  from  Captain  Drawlock.  It  is  not  for  a 
daughter  to  publish  a  father's  errors  ;  but  you  know  all, 
and  I  can  therefore  have  no  scruple  in  consulting  with  you  : 
I  do  not  see  why  I  should.  My  resolution  is,  at  best,  a 
hasty  one;  but  it  is,  never  to  enter  the  house  of  my 
relation  under  such  humiliating  circumstances — that  is 
decided  :  but  how  to  act,  or  what  to  do,  is  where  I  require 
advice.  I  am  in  a  cruel  situation.  What  a  helpless 
creature  is  a  woman  !  Were  I  a  man,  I  could  have  worked 
my  passage  home,  or  have  honestly  obtained  my  bread  in 
this  place  ;  but  a  woman — a  young  and  unprotected  woman 
— in  a  distant  clime,  and  without  a  friend — — " 

"Do  not  say  that  you  are  without  a  friend;  one  who 
has  at  least  the  will,  if  not  the  power  to  serve  you,"  replied 
Newton. 

"  No — not  without  a  friend ;  but  what  avails  a  friend 
whose  assistance  I  could  not  accept  ?  It  is  to  Captain 
Drawlock,  therefore,  that  I  must  apply,  and,  painful  as  it 
may  be,  throw  myself  upon  his  generosity ;  for  that 
reason  I  wished  to  see  him.  He  may  advise  some  means 
by  which  I  may  obtain  a  passage  home.  I  will  return  in 
any  capacity — as  a  nurse  to  children,  as  an  attendant — 
anything   that   is   creditable.      I   would   watch   over   the 


The  Merchant  Service  293 

couch  of  fever,  pestilence,  and  plague,  for  months,  rather 
than  appear  to  be  a  party  to  my  father's  duplicity.  Oh  ! 
Mr  Forster,  what  must  you  think  of  the  daughters,  after 
what  you  have  heard  of  the  parent's  conduct  ? " — and 
Isabel  burst  into  tears. 

Newton  could  contain  himself  no  longer.  "  My  dear 
Miss  Revel,  let  me  persuade  you  to  compose  yourself," 
said  he,  taking  her  hand,  which  was  not  withdrawn.  "  If 
you  feel  on  this  occasion,  so  do  I  most  deeply — most  deeply, 
because  I  can  only  lament,  and  dare  not  offer  to  assist  you. 
The  means  of  returning  to  your  own  country  I  can  easily 
procure  from  Captain  Drawlock ;  but  would  you  accept  it 
from  me  ?  I  know — I  cannot  expect  that  you  would  ;  and 
that,  under  such  circumstances,  it  would  be  insulting  in  me 
to  offer  it.  Think,  then,  what  pain  I  must  feel  to  witness 
your   distress,    and  yet   dare   not    offer    to   assist  one   for 

whom — oh  !  my  God "  ended  Newton,  checking  his 

feelings. 

"I  feel  the  kindness  and  the  delicacy  of  your  conduct, 
Mr  Forster  ;  and  I  will  candidly  acknowledge,  that,  could 
I  accept  it,  there  is  no  one  to  whom  I  would  more  cheer- 
fully be  under  an  obligation  ;  but  the  world  will  not  permit 
it." 

"  What  shall  I  do.  Miss  Revel  ? — shall  I  go  for  Captain 
Drawlock  ?  " 

"  Stay  a  little  while  ;  I  wish  to  reflect.  What  would 
you  advise  ? — as  a  friend,  tell  me  candidly,  Mr  Forster." 

"  I  am  indeed  proud  that  you  allow  me  that  title.  It  is 
all  that  I  ever  dare  hope  for ;  but  Isabel  (I  beg  your 
pardon.  Miss  Revel,  I  should  have  said) " 

**Nay,  nay,  I  am  not  displeased.  Why  not  Isabel? 
We  have  known  one  another  long  enough  ;  and,  deserted 
as  I  feel,  a  kind  word  now " 

Isabel  covered  her  face  with  her  hand.  Newton,  who 
was  standing  by  her,  was  overcome  by  the  intensity  of  his 
feelings  ;  gradually  they  approached  nearer,  until  by,  I 
suppose,  the  same  principle  which  holds  the  universe 
together — the  attraction  of  cohesion — Newton's  arm  en- 


2  94  Newton  Forster;  or, 

circled  the  waist  of  Isabel,  and  she  sobbed  upon  his 
shoulder.  It  was  with  difficulty  that  Newton  refrained 
from  pouring  out  his  soul,  and  expressing  the  ardent  love 
which  he  had  so  long  felt  for  her  5  but  it  was  taking 
advantage  of  her  situation.  He  had  nothing  to  offer  but 
himself  and  beggary.  He  did  refrain.  The  words  were 
not  spoken  ;  yet  Isabel  divined  his  thoughts,  appreciated 
his  forbearance,  and  loved  him  more  for  his  resolution. 

"  Isabel,"  said  Newton,  at  length,  with  a  sigh,  "  I  never 
valued  or  wished  for  wealth  till  now.  Till  this  hour  I 
never  felt  the  misery  of  being  poor." 

"  I  believe  you,  Mr  Forster  ;  and  I  am  grateful,  as  I 
know  that  it  is  for  my  sake  that  you  feel  it ;  but,"  con- 
tinued she,  recovering  herself,  "  crying  will  do  no  good. 
I  asked  you  for  your  advice,  and  you  have  only  given  me 
your  arm." 

"  I  am  afraid  it  is  all  I  shall  ever  have  to  offer,"  replied 
Newton.  "  But,  Isabel,  allow  me  to  ask  you  one  question  : 
— Are  you  resolved  never  to  enter  your  relation's  house  ?  " 
"  Not  on  the  humiliating  terms  which  he  has  proposed. 
Let  the  colonel  come  here  for  me  and  take  me  home  with 
him,  and  then  I  will  remain  there  until  I  can  return  to 
England ;  if  not,  I  will  submit  to  any  privation,  to 
any  honest  humiliation,  rather  than  enter  under  his  roof. 
But,  indeed,  Mr  Forster,  it  is  necessary  that  Captain 
Drawlock  should  be  summoned.  We  are  here  alone  :  it  is 
not  correct :  you  must  feel  that  it  is  not." 

"I  do  feel  that  it  is  not ;  but,  Isabel,  I  was  this  morning 
of  some  trifling  service  to  the  colonel,  and  may  have  some 
little  weight  with  him.  Will  you  allow  me  to  return  to 
him,  and  try  what  I  can  do  ?  It  will  not  be  dark  for  these 
two  hours,  and  I  will  soon  be  back." 

Isabel  assented.  Newton  hastened  to  the  colonel,  who 
had  already  been  much  surprised  when  he  had  been 
informed  by  his  domestics  (for  he  had  not  seen  them)  that 
only  two  ladies  had  arrived.  The  old  gentleman  was  now 
cool.  The  explanation  and  strong  persuasions  of  Newton, 
coupled  with  the  spirited  behaviour  of  Isabel,  whose  deter- 


The  Merchant  Service  295 

mination  was  made  known  to  him,  and  which  was  so 
different  from  the  general  estimate  he  had  formed  of  the 
sex,  at  last  prevailed.  The  colonel  ordered  his  carriage, 
and,  in  company  with  Newton,  drove  to  the  hotel,  made 
a  sort  of  apology — a  wonderful  effort  on  his  part,  and 
requested  his  grand-niece  to  accept  of  his  hospitaHty.  In 
a  few  minutes  Isabel  and  the  colonel  were  out  of  sight,  and 
Newton  was  left  to  his  own  reflections. 

A  few  days  afterwards  Newton  accepted  the  colonel's 
invitation  to  dine,  when  he  found  that  affairs  were  going 
on  better  than  he  expected.  The  old  gentleman  had  been 
severely  quizzed  by  those  who  were  intimate  with  him,  at 
the  addition  to  his  establishment,  and  had  winced  not  a 
little  under  the  lash  ;  but,  on  the  whole,  he  appeared 
more  reconciled  than  would  have  been  expected.  Newton, 
however,  observed  that,  when  speaking  of  the  three 
sisters,  he  invariably  designated  them  as  "my  grand-niece, 
and  the  two  other  young  women." 


Chapter  XL 

**  Rich  in  the  gems  of  India's  gaudy  zone, 
And  plunder  piled  from  kingdoms  not  their  own, 
Degenerate  trade  !  thy  minions  could  despise 
Thy  heart-born  anguish  of  a  thousand  cries : 
Could  lock,  with  impious  hands,  their  teeming  store, 
While  famish'd  nations  died  along  the  shore; 
Could  mock  the  groans  of  fellow-men,  and  bear 
The  curse  of  kingdoms,  peopled  with  despair  ; 
Could  stamp  disgrace  on  man's  polluted  name, 
And  barter  with  their  gold  eternal  shame." 

Campbell. 

Gold  ! — gold  !  for  thee,  what  will  man  not  attempt  ? — for 
thee,  to  what  degradation  will  he  not  submit  ? — for  thee, 
what  will  he  not  risk  in  this  world,  or  prospectively  in  the 
next  ?  Industry  is  rewarded  by  thee  j  enterprise  is 
supported  by  thee ;  crime  is  cherished,  and  heaven  itself 
is  bartered  for  thee,  thou  powerful  auxiliary  of  the  devil ! 


2g6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

One  tempter  was  sufficient  for  the  fall  of  man  j  but  thou 
wert  added,  that  he  ne'er  might  rise  again. 

Survey  the  empire  of  India;  calculate  the  millions  of 
acres,  the  billions  with  which  it  is  peopled,  and  then  pause 
while  you  ask  yourself  the  question — How  is  it  that  a 
company  of  merchants  claim  it  as  their  own  ?  By  what 
means  did  it  come  into  their  possession  ? 

Honestly,  they  will  reply.  Honestly  !  you  went  there 
as  suppliants ;  you  were  received  with  kindness  and 
hospitality,  and  your  request  was  granted,  by  which  you 
obtained  a  footing  on  the  soil.  Now  you  are  lords  of 
countless  acres,  masters  of  millions,  who  live  or  perish  as 
you  will  J  receivers  of  enormous  tribute.  Why,  how  is 
this  ? 

Honestly,  again  you  say  ;  by  treaty,  by  surrender,  by 
taking  from  those  who  would  have  destroyed  us  the  means 
of  doing  injury.  Honestly  !  say  it  again,  that  Heaven 
may  register,  and  hell  may  chuckle  at  your  barefaced, 
impudent  assertion. 

No  !  by  every  breach  of  faith  which  could  disgrace  an 
infidel  •,  by  every  act  of  cruelty  which  could  disgrace  our 
nature  ;  by  extortion,  by  rapine,  by  injustice,  by  mockery 
of  all  laws,  or  human  or  divine.  The  thirst  for  gold,  and 
a  golden  country,  led  you  on ;  and  in  these  scorching 
regions  you  have  raised  the  devil  on  his  throne,  and 
worshipped  him  in  his  proud  pre-eminence  as  Mammon. 

Let  us  think.  Is  not  the  thirst  for  gold  a  temptation  to 
which  our  natures  are  doomed  to  be  subjected — part  of  the 
ordeal  which  we  have  to  pass  ?  or  why  is  it  that  there 
never  is  sufficient  ? 

It  appears  to  be  ordained  by  Providence  that  this  metal, 
obtained  from  the  earth  to  feed  the  avarice  of  man,  should 
again  return  to  it.  If  all  the  precious  ore  which  for  a 
series  of  ages  has  been  raised  from  the  dark  mine  were 
now  in  tangible  existence,  how  trifling  would  be  its  value ! 
how  inadequate  as  a  medium  of  exchange  for  the  other 
productions  of  nature,  or  of  art  !  If  all  the  diamonds  and 
other  precious  stones  which  have  been  collected  from  the 


The  Merchant  Service  297 

decomposed  rocks  (for  hard  as  they  once  were,  like  all 
sublunary  matter,  they  too  yield  to  time)  why,  if  all  were 
remaining  on  the  earth,  the  frolic  gambols  of  the  May-day 
sweep  would  shake  about  those  gems,  which  now  are  to 
be  found  in  profusion  only  where  rank  and  beauty  pay 
homage  to  the  thrones  of  kings.  Arts  and  manufactures 
consume  a  large  proportion  of  the  treasures  of  the  mine, 
and  as  the  objects  fall  into  decay,  so  does  the  metal  return 
to  the  earth  again.  But  it  is  in  Eastern  climes,  where  it  is 
collected,  that  it  soonest  disappears.  Where  the  despot 
reigns,  and  the  knowledge  of  an  individual's  wealth  is 
sufficient  warranty  to  seal  his  doom,  it  is  to  the  care  of  the 
silent  earth  alone  that  the  possessor  will  commit  his 
treasures  ;  he  trusts  not  to  relation  or  to  friend,  for  gold 
is  too  powerful  for  human  ties.  It  is  but  on  his  death-bed 
that  he  imparts  the  secret  of  his  deposit  to  those  he  leaves 
behind  him  ;  often  called  away  before  he  has  time  to  make 
it  known,  reserving  the  fond  secret  till  too  late ;  still 
clinging  to  life,  and  all  that  makes  life  dear  to  him.  Often 
does  the  communication,  made  from  the  couch  of  death,  in 
half-articulated  words,  prove  so  imperfect,  that  the 
knowledge  of  its  existence  is  of  no  avail  unto  his  intended 
heirs  ;  and  thus  it  is  that  millions  return  again  to  the  earth 
from  which  they  have  been  gathered  with  such  toil. 
What  avarice  has  dug  up  avarice  buries  again ;  perhaps  in 
future  ages  to  be  regained  by  labour,  when,  from  the 
chemical  powers  of  eternal  and  mysterious  Nature,  they 
have  again  been  filtered  through  the  indurated  earth,  and 
reassumed  the  form  and  the  appearance  of  the  metal 
which  has  lain  in  darkness  since  the  creation  of  the 
world. 

Is  not  this  part  of  the  grand  principle  of  the  universe  ? — 
the  eternal  cycle  of  reproduction  and  decay,  pervading  all 
and  every  thing — blindly  contributed  to  by  the  folly  and 
wickedness  of  man !  **  So  far  shalt  thou  go,  but  no 
further,"  was  the  fiat ;  and,  arrived  at  the  prescribed  limit, 
we  must  commence  again.  At  this  moment  intellect  has 
seized  upon  the  seven-league  boots  of  the  fable,  which 


298  Newton  Forster;  or, 

fitted  everybody  who  drew  them  on,  and  strides  over  the 
universe.  How  soon,  as  on  the  decay  of  the  Roman 
empire,  may  all  the  piles  of  learning  which  human  en- 
deavours would  rear  as  a  tower  of  Babel  to  scale  the 
heavens,  disappear,  leaving  but  fragments  to  future  genera- 
tions, as  proofs  of  pre-existent  knowledge  !  Whether  we 
refer  to  nature  or  to  art,  to  knowledge  or  to  power,  to 
accumulation  or  destruction,  bounds  have  been  prescribed 
which  man  can  never  pass,  guarded  as  they  are  by  the  same 
unerring  and  unseen  Power,  which  threw  the  planets  from 
his  hand,  to  roll  in  their  appointed  orbits.  All  appears 
confused  below,  but  all  is  clear  in  heaven. 

I  have  somewhere  heard  it  said,  that  wherever  heaven 
may  be,  those  who  reach  it  will  behold  the  mechanism  of 
the  universe  in  its  perfection.  Those  stars,  now  studding 
the  firmament  in  such  apparent  confusion,  will  there  appear 
in  all  their  regularity,  as  worlds  revolving  in  their  several 
orbits,  round  suns  which  gladden  them  with  light  and  heat, 
all  in  harmony,  all  in  beauty,  rejoicing  as  they  roll  their 
destined  course  in  obedience  to  the  Almighty  fiat  -,  one 
vast,  stupendous,  and,  to  the  limits  of  our  present  senses, 
incomprehensible  mechanism,  perfect  in  all  its  parts,  most 
wonderful  in  the  whole.  Nor  do  I  doubt  it  :  it  is  but 
reasonable  to  suppose  it.  He  that  hath  made  this  world 
and  all  upon  it  can  have  no  limits  to  His  power. 

I  wonder  whether  I  shall  ever  see  it. 

I  said  just  now,  let  us  think.  I  had  better  have  said,  let 
us  not  think ;  for  thought  is  painful,  even  dangerous  when 
carried  to  excess.  Happy  is  he  who  thinks  but  little, 
whose  ideas  are  so  confined  as  not  to  cause  the  intellectual 
fever,  wearing  out  the  mind  and  body,  and  often  threaten- 
ing both  with  dissolution.  There  is  a  happy  medium  of 
intellect,  sufficient  to  convince  us  that  all  is  good — sufficient 
to  enable  us  to  comprehend  that  which  is  revealed,  without 
a  vain  endeavour  to  pry  into  the  hidden  ;  to  understand  the 
one,  and  lend  our  faith  unto  the  other ;  but  when  the  mind 
would  soar  unto  the  heaven  not  opened  to  it,  or  dive  into 
sealed  and  dark  futurity,  how  does  it  return  from  its  several 


The  Merchant  Service  299 

expeditions  ?  Confused,  alarmed,  unhappy ;  willing  to 
rest,  yet  restless  ;  willing  to  believe,  yet  doubting  ;  willing 
to  end  its  futile  travels,  yet  setting  forth  anew.  Yet,  how 
is  a  superior  understanding  envied  !  how  coveted  by  all ! — 
a  gift  which  always  leads  to  danger,  and  often  to  perdition. 

Thank  Heaven !  I  have  not  been  entrusted  with  one  of 
those  thorough-bred,  snorting,  champing,  foaming  sort  of 
intellects,  which  run  av/ay  with  Common  Sense,  who  is 
jerked  from  his  saddle  at  the  beginning  of  its  wild  career. 
Mine  is  a  good,  steady,  useful  hack,  who  trots  along  the 
high-road  of  life,  keeping  on  his  own  side,  and  only  stum- 
bling a  little  now  and  then,  when  I  happen  to  be  careless, — 
ambitious  only  to  arrive  safely  at  the  end  of  his  journey, 
not  to  pass  by  others. 

Why  am  I  no  longer  ambitious  ?  Once  I  was,  but  'twas 
when  I  was  young  and  foolish.  Then  methought  "  It  were 
an  easy  leap  to  pluck  bright  honour  from  the  pale-faced 
moon ; "  but  now  I  am  old  and  fat,  and  there  is  something 
in  fat  which  chokes  or  destroys  ambition.  It  would  appear 
that  it  is  requisite  for  the  body  to  be  active  and  springing 
as  the  mind ;  and  if  it  is  not,  it  weighs  the  latter  down  to 
its  own  gravity.  Who  ever  heard  of  a  fat  man  being  ambi- 
tious ?  Csesar  was  a  spare  man ;  Buonaparte  was  thin  as 
long  as  he  climbed  the  ladder ;  Nelson  was  a  shadow. 
The  Duke  of  Wellington  has  not  sufficient  fat  in  his  com- 
position to  grease  his  own  Wellington-boots.  In  short,  I 
think  my  hypothesis  to  be  fairly  borne  out,  that  fat  and 
ambition  are  incompatible. 

It  is  very  melancholy  to  be  forced  to  acknowledge  this, 
for  I  am  convinced  that  it  may  be  of  serious  injury  to  my 
works.  An  author  with  a  genteel  figure  will  always  be 
more  read  than  one  who  is  corpulent.  All  his  etherealness 
departs.  Some  young  ladies  may  have  fancied  me  an 
elegant  young  man,  like  Lytton  Bulwer,  full  of  fun  and 
humour,  concealing  all  my  profound  knowledge  under  the 
mask  of  levity,  and  have  therefore  read  my  books  with  as 
much  delight  as  has  been  afforded  by  "  Pelham."  But 
the  truth  must  be  told.     I  am  a  grave,  heavy  man,  with 


300 


Newton  Forster 


my  finger  continually  laid  along  my  temple,  seldom  speak- 
ing unless  spoken  to — and  when  ladies  talk,  I  never  open 
my  mouth ;  the  consequence  is,  that  sometimes,  when 
there  is  a  succession  of  company,  I  do  not  speak  for  a 
week.  Moreover,  I  am  married,  with  five  small  children ; 
and  now  all  I  look  forward  to,  and  all  I  covet,  is  to  live  in 
peace,  and  die  in  my  bed. 

I  wonder  why  I  did  not  commence  authorship  before ! 
How  true  it  is  that  a  man  never  knows  what  he  can  do 
until  he  tries  !  The  fact  is,  I  never  thought  that  I  could 
make  a  novel ;  and  I  was  thirty  years  old  before  I  stumbled 
on  the  fact.     What  a  pity  ! 

Writing  a  book  reminds  me  very  much  of  making  a 
passage  across  the  Atlantic.  At  one  moment,  when  the 
ideas  flow,  you  have  the  wind  aft,  and  away  you  scud, 
with  a  flowing  sheet,  and  a  rapidity  which  delights  you  : 
at  other  times,  when  your  spirit  flags,  and  you  gnaw  your 
pen  (I  have  lately  used  iron  pens,  for  I'm  a  devil  of  a 
crib-biter),  it  is  hke  unto  a  foul  wind,  tack  and  tack, 
requiring  a  long  time  to  get  on  a  short  distance.  But 
still  you  do  go,  although  but  slowly  ;  and  in  both  cases 
we  must  take  the  foul  wind  with  the  fair.  If  a  ship  were 
to  furl  her  sails  until  the  wind  was  again  favourable,  her 
voyage  would  be  protracted  to  an  indefinite  time ;  and  if 
an  author  were  to  wait  until  he  again  felt  in  a  humour,  it 
would  take  a  life  to  write  a  novel. 

Whenever  the  wind  is  foul,  which  it  now  most  cer- 
tainly is,  for  I  am  writing  anything  but  "Newton  Forster," 
and  which  will  account  for  this  rambling,  stupid  chapter, 
made  up  of  odds  and  ends,  strung  together  like  what  we 
call  "  skewer  pieces  "  on  board  of  a  man-of-war ;  when 
the  wind  is  foul,  as  I  said  before,  I  have,  however,  a  way 
of  going  a-head  by  getting  up  the  steam,  which  I  am  now 
about  to  resort  to — and  the  fuel  is  brandy.  All  on  this 
side  of  the  world  are  asleep,  except  gamblers,  house- 
breakers, the  new  police,  and  authors.  My  wife  is  in  the 
arms  of  Morpheus — an  allegorical  crim.  con.,  which  we 
husbands  are  obliged  to  wink  at  j  and  I  am  making  love  to 


The  Merchant  Service 


30  ] 


the  brandy-bottle,  that  I  may  stimulate  my  ideas,  as 
unwilling  to  be  roused  from  their  dark  cells  of  the 
brain  as  the  spirit  summoned  by  Lochiel,  who  implored 
at  each  response,  "  Leave,  oh  !  leave  me  to  repose." 

Now  I'll  invoke  them,  conjure  them  up,  like  little  imps, 
to  do  my  bidding  : — 

By  this  glass  which  now  I  drain, 

By  this  spirit,  which  shall  cheer  you, 
As  its  fumes  mount  to  my  brain, 

From  thy  torpid  slumbers  rear  you. 

By  this  head,  so  tired  with  thinking, 

By  this  hand,  no  longer  trembling, 
By  these  lips,  so  fond  of  drinking. 

Let  me  feel  that  you're  assembling. 

By  the  bottle  placed  before  me, 

(Food  for  you.  ere  morrow's  sun), 
By  this  second  glass,  I  pour  me, 

Come,  you  littk  beggars,  come. 


Chapter  XLI 


"  British  sailors  have  a  knack. 
Haul  away,  yo  ho,  boys. 
Of  hauling  down  a  Frenchman's  jack 
'Gainst  any  odds,  you  know,  boys." 


Old  Song. 


There  was,  I  flatter  myself,  some  little  skill  in  the 
introduction  of  the  foregoing  chapter,  which  has  played 
the  part  of  chorus  during  the  time  that  the  Bombay  Castle 
has  proceeded  on  to  Canton,  has  taken  in  her  cargo,  and 
is  on  her  passage  home,  in  company  with  fifteen  other 
East  Indiamen  and  several  country  ships,  all  laden  with 
the  riches  of  the  East,  and  hastening  to  pour  their 
treasures  into  the  lap  of  their  country.  Millions  were 
floating  on  the  waters,  entrusted  to  the  skill  of  merchant- 
seamen  to  convey  them  home  in  safety,  and  to  their 
courage  to  defend  them  from  the  enemy,  which  had 
long  been  lying  in  wait   to  intercept   them.     By  a  very 


302  Newton  Forster;  or, 

unusual  chance  or  oversight,  there  had  been  no  men- 
of-war  despatched  to  protect  property  of  such  enormous 
value. 

The  Indian  fleet  had  just  entered  the  Straits  of  Malacca, 
and  were  sailing  in  open  order,  with  a  fresh  breeze  and 
smooth  water.  The  hammocks  had  been  stowed,  the 
decks  washed,  and  the  awnings  spread.  Shoals  of  albicore 
were  darting  across  the  bows  of  the  different  ships  ;  and 
the  seamen  perched  upon  the  cat-heads  and  spritsail-yard, 
had  succeeded  in  piercing  with  their  harpoons  many, 
which  were  immediately  cut  up,  and  in  the  frying-pans  for 
breakfast.  But  very  soon  they  had  "  other  fish  to  fry  ; " 
for  one  of  the  Indiamen,  the  Royal  George,  made  the  signal 
that  there  were  four  strange  sail  in  the  S.W. 

**  A  gun  from  the  commodore,  sir,"  reported  Newton, 
who  was  officer  of  the  watch.  **  The  flags  are  up — they 
are  not  our  pennants." 

It  was  an  order  to  four  ships  of  the  fleet  to  run  down 
and  examine  the  strange  vessels. 

Half-an-hour  elapsed,  during  which  time  the  glasses 
were  at  every  mast-head.  Captain  Drawlock  himself, 
although  not  much  given  to  climbing,  having  probably 
had  enough  of  it  during  his  long  career  in  the  service,  was 
to  be  seen  in  the  main-top.  Doubts,  suspicions,  declara- 
tions, surmises,  and  positive  assertions  were  bandied  about, 
until  they  were  all  dispelled  by  the  reconnoitring  ships 
telegraphing,  "  a  French  squadron,  consisting  of  one  line- 
of-battle  ship,  three  frigates,  and  a  brig."  It  was,  in  fact, 
the  well-known  squadron  of  Admiral  Linois,  who  had 
scoured  the  Indian  seas,  ranging  it  up  and  down  with  the 
velocity  as  well  as  the  appetite  of  a  shark.  His  force 
consisted  of  the  Marengo,  of  eighty  guns  ;  the  famed  Belle 
Poule,  a  forty-gun  frigate,  which  outstripped  the  wind  j 
the  Semillantey  of  thirty-six  guns  ;  the  Berceau,  ship  cor- 
vette, of  twenty-two,  and  a  brig  of  sixteen.  They  had 
sailed  from  Batavia  on  purpose  to  intercept  the  China  fleet, 
having  received  intelligence  that  it  was  unprotected,  and 
anticipating  an  easy  conquest,  if  not  an  immediate  sur- 
render to  their  overpowering  force. 


The  Merchant  Service  303 

**  The  recall  is  up  on  board  of  the  commodore,"  said 
Mathews,  the  first  mate,  to  Captain  Drawlock. 

"Very  well,  keep  a  good  look-out ;  he  intends  to  fight, 
I'll  answer  for  it.  We  must  not  surrender  up  millions  to 
these  French  scoundrels  without  a  tussle." 

**  I  should  hope  not,"  replied  Mathews  ;  **  but  that  big 
fellow  will  make  a  general  average  among  our  tea  canisters, 
I  expect,  when  we  do  come  to  the  scratch.  There  go  the 
flags,  sir,"  continued  Mathews,  repeating  the  number  to 
Captain  Drawlock,  who  had  the  signal-book  in  his 
hand. 

"  Form  line  of  battle  in  close  order,  and  prepare  for 
action,"  read  Captain  Drawlock  from  the  signal-book. 

A  cheer  resounded  through  the  fleet  when  the  signal 
was  made  known.  The  ships  were  already  near  enough 
to  each  other  to  hear  the  shouting,  and  the  confidence  of 
others  added  to  their  own. 

"  If  we  only  had  all  English  seamen  on  board,  instead 
of  these  Lascars  and  Chinamen,  who  look  so  blank," 
observed  Newton  to  Mathews,  *'  I  think  we  should  show 
them  some  play." 

"  Yes,"  growled  Mathews  ;  "  John  Company  will  some 
day  find  out  the  truth  of  the  old  proverb,  *  Penny  wise 
and  pound  foolish  !  '  " 

The  French  squadron,  which  had  continued  on  the  wind 
to  leeward  until  they  could  fetch  the  India  fleet,  now 
tacked,  and  laid  up  directly  for  them.  In  the  meantime, 
the  English  vessels  were  preparing  for  action  :  the  clearing 
of  their  lumbered  decks  was  the  occasion  of  many  a  coop 
of  fowls,  or  pig  of  the  true  China  breed,  exchanging  their 
destiny  for  a  watery  grave.  Fortunately,  there  were  no 
passengers.  Homeward-bound  China  ships  are  not  encum- 
bered in  that  way,  unless  to  astonish  the  metropolis  with 
such  monstrosities  as  the  mermaid,  or  as  the  Siamese  twins, 
coupled  by  nature  like  two  hounds  (separated  lately  indeed 
by  Lytton  Bulwer,  who  has  satisfactorily  proved  that 
"  unity  between  brethren,"  so  generally  esteemed  a  bless- 
ing, on  the  contrary,  is  a  bore).     In  a  short  time  all  was 


304  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

ready,  and  the  India  fleet  continued  their  course  under  easy 
sail,  neither  courting  nor  avoiding  the  conflict. 

At  nightfall  the  French  squadron  hauled  to  the  wind  ; 
the  conduct  of  the  China  fleet  rendered  them  cautious,  and 
the  French  admiral  considered  it  advisable  to  ascertain,  by 
broad  daylight,  whether  a  portion  of  the  English  ships 
were  not  men-of-war  ;  their  cool  and  determined  behaviour 
certainly  warranted  the  suspicion.  It  was  now  to  be 
decided  whether  the  Indiamen  should  take  advantage  of 
the  darkness  of  the  night  to  escape,  or  wait  the  result  of 
the  ensuing  day.  The  force  opposed  to  them  was  for- 
midable and  concentrated;  their  own,  on  the  contrary, 
was  weak  from  division,  each  ship  not  having  more  than 
sixty  English  seamen  on  board ;  the  country  ships  none  at 
all,  the  few  belonging  to  them  having  volunteered  on 
board  of  the  Indiamen.  In  his  decision  Commodore 
Dance  proved  his  judgment  as  well  as  his  courage.  In  an 
attempt  to  escape,  the  fleet  would  separate  ;  and,  from  the 
well-known  superior  sailing  of  the  French  squadron,  most 
of  them  would  be  overtaken,  and,  being  attacked  single- 
handed,  fall  an  easy  prey  to  the  enemy. 

In  this  opinion  the  captains  of  the  Indiamen,  who  had 
communicated  during  the  night,  were  unanimous,  and 
equally  so  in  the  resolution  founded  upon  it,  "  to  keep 
together  and  fight  to  the  last."  The  India  fleet  lay  to  for 
the  night,  keeping  their  lights  up  and  the  men  at  their 
quarters  ;  most  of  the  English  seamen  sound  asleep,  the 
Lascars  and  Chinese  sitting  up  in  groups,  expressing,  in 
their  own  tongues,  their  fear  of  the  approaching  combat, 
in  which,  whether  risked  for  national  honour  or  individual 
property,  they  could  have  no  interest. 

The  morning  broke,  and  discovered  the  French  squadron 
about  three  miles  to  windward.  Admiral  Linois  had  calcu- 
lated that  if  the  fleet  consisted  only  of  merchant  vessels 
they  would  have  profited  by  the  darkness  to  have  at- 
tempted to  escape,  and  he  had  worked  to  windward  during 
the  night,  that  he  might  be  all  ready  to  pounce  down  upon 
his  quarry.     But  when  he  perceived  that  the  English  ships 


The  Merchant  Service  305 

did  not  attempt  to  increase  their  distance  he  was  sadly 
puzzled. 

The  French  tricolour  hardly  had  time  to  blow  clear  from 
their  taffrails,  when  the  English  unions  waved  aloft  in 
defiance ;  and  that  Admiral  Linois  might  be  more  per- 
plexed by  the  arrangements  of  the  night,  three  of  the 
most  warlike  Indiamen  displayed  the  red  ensign,  while  the 
remainder  of  the  ships  hoisted  up  the  blue.  This  ruse  led 
the  French  admiral  to  suppose  that  these  three  vessels 
were  men-of-war,  composing  the  escort  of  the  fleet. 

At  nine  o'clock  the  commodore  made  the  signal  to  fill ; 
and  the  French  squadron  not  bearing  down,  the  India  fleet 
continued  its  course  under  easy  sail.  The  French  admiral 
then  edged  away  with  his  squadron,  with  the  intention  of 
cutting  ofl*  the  country  ships,  which  had  been  stationed  to 
leeward  j  but  which,  since  the  British  fleet  had  hauled 
their  wind,  had  been  left  in  the  rear.  It  was  now  requisite 
for  the  British  commander  to  act  decidedly  and  firmly. 
Captain  Timmins,  an  officer  for  courage  and  conduct  not 
surpassed  by  any  in  our  naval  service,  who  commanded  the 
Royal  George^  edged  to  within  hail  of  the  commodore,  and 
recommended  that  the  order  should  be  given  to  tack  in 
succession,  bear  down  in  a  line-a-head,  and  engage  the 
enemy.  This  spirited  advice  was  acted  upon ;  the  Royal 
George  leading  into  action,  followed  by  the  other  ships  in 
such  close  order  that  their  flying  jib-booms  were  often 
pointed  over  the  taffrails  of  their  predecessors. 

In  a  quarter  of  an  hour  was  to  be  witnessed  the  unusual 
spectacle  of  a  fleet  of  merchant  ships  exchanging  broadsides 
with  the  best  equipped  and  highest  disciplined  squadron 
that  ever  sailed  from  France.  In  less  than  an  hour  was 
presented  the  more  unusual  sight  of  this  squadron  flying 
from  the  merchant  ships,  and  the  signal  for  a  general 
chase  answered  with  enthusiastic  cheers. 

That  Admiral  Linois  might  have  supposed,  previous  to 
the  engagement,  that  some  of  the  British  ships  were  men- 
of-war,  is  probable;  but  that  he  knew  otherwise  after  they 
had  commenced  action,  must  also  have  been  the  case.    The 

F  U 


3o6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

fact  was,  he  was  frightened  at  their  determined  courage 
and  their  decided  conduct ;  and  he  fled,  not  from  the  guns, 
but  from  the  men, 

I  do  not  know  on  record  any  greater  instance  of  heroism 
on  the  part  of  British  seamen  j  and  I  am  delighted  that 
Newton  Forster  was  in  the  conflict,  or  of  course  I  could 
not  have  introduced  it  in  this  work. 

And  now,  those  who  read  for  amusement  may,  if  they 
please,  skip  over  to  the  next  chapter.  There  are  points 
connected  with  the  India  service  which  I  intend  to  comment 
upon  ;  and  as  all  the  wisdom  of  the  age  is  confined  to 
novels,  and  nobody  reads  pamphlets,  I  introduce  them 
here. 

When  one  man  is  empowered  to  hold  in  check,  and  to 
insist  upon  the  obedience  of  a  large  proportion  of  his 
fellows,  it  can  only  be  by  "  opinion "  that  his  authority 
can  be  supported. 

By  "opinion"  I  mean  the  knowledge  that  he  is  so 
empowered  by  the  laws  of  the  country  to  which  they  all 
belong,  and  by  which  laws  they  will  be  punished,  if  they 
act  in  opposition  to  his  authority.  The  fiat  of  the  indi- 
vidual commanding  is  in  this  case  the  fiat  of  the  nation  at 
large ;  to  contend  with  this  fiat  is  not  contending  with 
the  individual,  but  with  the  nation,  to  whose  laws  they 
must  submit,  or  return  to  their  country  no  more.  A 
commander  of  a  vessel,  therefore,  armed  with  martial  law, 
is,  in  fact,  representing  and  executing,  not  his  own  will, 
but  that  of  the  nation  who  have  made  the  law ;  for  he  is 
amenable,  as  well  as  his  inferiors,  if  he  acts  contrary  to, 
or  misuses  it. 

In  the  merchant  service  martial  law  is  not  permitted; 
the  bye-laws  relative  to  shipping,  and  the  common  law  of 
the  country,  are  supposed  to  be  sufficient ;  and  certainly 
the  present  system  is  more  advisable  than  to  vest  such 
excessive  power  in  the  hands  of  men,  who,  generally 
speaking,  neither  require  nor  are  fit  to  be  entrusted  with 
it.  Where,  as  in  the  greater  number  of  merchant  vessels, 
the  master  and  his  subordinate  oflicers  compose  one-third, 


The  Merchant  Service  307 

if  not  one-half  of  the  complement  on  board,  nothing  but 
the  most  flagrant  conduct  is  likely  to  produce  insubordina- 
tion. 

But  in  the  East  India  service  the  case  is  different.  The 
vessels  themselves  are  of  dimensions  equal,  if  not  superior, 
to  our  largest  class  of  frigates,  and  they  carry  from  thirty 
to  forty  guns  ;  the  property  embarked  in  them  is  also  of 
such  an  extent,  that  the  loss  almost  becomes  national : 
their  commanders  are  men  of  superior  attainments,  as 
gentlemen  and  as  officers ;  finally,  the  complement  of 
seamen  under  their  command  is  larger  than  on  board  of 
many  of  the  king's  ships. 

The  above  considerations  will  at  once  establish  that 
those  bye-laws  which  afford  protection  to  the  well-govern- 
ing of  the  merchant  service  in  general,  are  not  sufficient 
to  maintain  the  necessary  discipline  on  board  of  the  East 
India  ships.  The  greater  the  disproportion  between  the 
unit  who  commands  and  the  numbers  who  obey,  the 
greater  the  chance  of  mutiny.  Sedition  is  the  progeny 
of  assembly.  Even  where  grievances  may  be  real,  if 
there  is  no  contact  and  no  discussion,  there  will  be  no 
insubordination  ;  but  imaginary  grievances,  canvassed  and 
discussed  in  assembly,  swell  into  disaffection  and  mutiny. 
When,  therefore,  numbers  are  collected  together,  as  in 
the  vessels  of  the  East  India  service,  martial  law  becomes 
indispensable  ;  and  the  proof  of  it  is,  that  the  commanders 
of  these  vessels  have  been  forced  to  exercise  it  upon 
their  own  responsibility.  A  letter  of  marque  should  be 
granted  to  all  vessels  carrying  a  certain  number  of  men, 
empowering  the  commanders,  under  certain  sureties  and 
penalties,  to  exercise  this  power.  It  would  be  a  boon 
to  the  East  India  ships,  and  ultimately  a  benefit  to  the 
navy. 

To  proceed.  The  merchant  ships  of  the  Company  are 
men-of-war ;  the  men-of-war  of  the  Company  are — what 
shall  I  call  them  ?  By  their  right  names — they  are  all 
Bombay  Marine:  but  let  me  at  once  assert,  in  applying 
their  own  name  to  them  as  a  reproach,  that  the  officers 


3o8  Newton  Forster;  or, 

commanding  them  are  not  included  in  the  stigma.  I 
have  served  with  them,  and  have  pleasure  in  stating 
that,  taking  the  average,  the  vessels  are  as  well  officered 
as  those  in  our  own  service ;  but  let  us  describe  the 
vessels  and  their  crews.  Most  of  the  vessels  are  smaller 
in  scantling  than  the  run  down  (and  constantly  going 
donvn)  ten-gun  brigs  in  our  own  service,  built  for  a  light 
draft  of  water  (as  they  were  originally  intended  to  act 
against  the  pirates,  which  occasionally  infest  the  Indian 
seas),  and  unfit  to  contend  with  anything  like  a  heavy 
sea.  Many  of  them  are  pierced  for,  and  actually  carry 
fourteen  to  sixteen  guns  ;  but,  as  effective  fighting  vessels, 
ought  not  to  have  been  pierced  for  more  than  eight.  I 
have  no  hesitation  in  asserting  that  an  English  cutter  is  a 
match  for  any  of  them,  and  a  French  privateer  has,  before 
now,  proved  that  she  was  superior.  The  crews  are  com- 
posed of  a  small  proportion  of  English  seamen,  a  small  pro- 
portion of  Portuguese  sea-cunnies,  a  proportion  of  Lascars, 
and  a  proportion  of  Hindoo  Bombay  marines.  It  requires 
two  or  three  languages  to  carry  on  the  duty ;  customs, 
religions,  provisions,  all  different,  and  all  living  and  messing 
separate.  How  is  it  possible  that  any  officer  can  discipline 
a  ship's  company  of  this  incongruous  description,  so  as  to 
make  them  "pull  together"?  In  short,  the  vessels  and 
the  crews  are  equally  contemptible,  and  the  officers,  in 
cases  of  difficulty,  must  be  sacrificed  to  the  pride  and 
meanness  of  the  Company.  My  reason  for  taking  notice 
of  the  "Bombay  Marine"  arises  from  an  order  lately 
promulgated,  in  which  the  officers  of  this  service  were 
to  take  rank  and  precedence  with  those  of  the  navy. 
Now,  as  far  as  the  officers  themselves  are  concerned, 
so  far  from  having  any  objection  to  it,  I  wish,  for  their 
own  merits  and  the  good-will  that  I  bear  them,  that 
they  were  incorporated  into  our  navy-list ;  but  as  long 
as  they  command  vessels  of  the  above  description,  in 
the  event  of  a  war,  I  will  put  a  case,  to  prove  the 
absurdity  and  danger  which  may  result.  There  is  not 
one   vessel   at    this   present   time  in  their  service  which 


The  Merchant  Service  309 

would  not  be  sunk  by  one  well-directed  broadside  from 
a  large  frigate;  yet,  as  many  of  their  officers  are  of 
long  standing,  it  is  very  probable  that  a  squadron  of 
English  frigates  may  fall  in  with  one  of  these  vessels, 
the  captain  of  which  would  be  authorised  by  his  seniority 
to  take  the  command  of  the  whole  of  them.  We  will 
suppose  that  this  squadron  falls  in  with  the  enemy,  of 
equal  or  superior  force ;  can  the  officer  in  command  lead 
on  to  the  attack  ?  If  so,  he  will  be  sent  down  by  the 
first  broadside.  If  he  does  not,  from  whom  are  the 
orders  to  proceed  during  the  action  ?  The  consequences 
would  be  as  injurious  as  the  arrangement  is  ridiculous. 

The  charter  of  the  East  India  Company  will  soon  expire  ; 
and  if  it  is  to  be  renewed,  the  country  ought  to  have  some 
indemnification  for  the  three  millions  which  this  colony  or 
conquest  (which  you  please)  annually  draws  from  it.  Now 
there  is  one  point  which  deserves  consideration :  the  con- 
stitutional protection  of  all  property  is  by  the  nation,  and 
as  a  naval  force  is  required  in  India,  that  force  should  be 
supplied  by  the  armaments  of  the  nation,  at  the  expense 
of  the  Company.  I  have  already  proved  that  the  Bombay 
Marine  is  a  useless  and  incompetent  service:  let  it  be 
abolished  altogether,  and  men-of-war  be  sent  out  to  supply 
their  place.  It  is  most  important  that  our  navy  should 
be  employed  in  time  of  peace,  and  our  officers  gain  that 
practical  knowledge  without  which  the  theoretical  is  use- 
less. Were  this  insisted  upon,  a  considerable  force  would 
be  actively  employed,  at  no  expense  to  the  country,  and 
many  officers  become  valuable,  who  now  are  remaining 
inactive,  and  forgetting  what  previous  knowledge  they 
may  have  acquired  of  their  nautical  duties. 

At  the  same  time,  every  East  India  ship  should  be 
compelled  to  take  on  board  her  whole  complement  of 
English  seamen,  and  not  be  half  manned  by  Lascars  and 
Chinamen. 

But  I  presume  I  must  be  careful  how  I  attempt  to 
legislate  for  that  country,  or  I  shall  have  two  tame 
elephants  sent  after  me  by  the  man  ijuhat  puts  his  hair 
in  papers  ! 


310  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter  XLII 

"  What  singular  emotions  fill 
Their  bosoms,  who  have  been  induced  to  roam, 
With  flattering  doubts,  if  all  be  well  or  ill, 

With  love  for  many,  and  with  fears  for  some  I  " 

Byrost. 

The  China  fleet  arrived  without  encountering  any  further 
danger ;  the  commodore  and  commanders  of  the  several 
ships  composing  the  fleet  received  that  praise  from  their 
countrymen  to  which  their  conduct  had  so  fully  entitled 
them.  As  soon  as  the  Bombay  Castle  had  entered  the  basin 
of  the  East  India  docks,  Newton  requested,  and  easily 
obtained,  permission  to  leave  the  ship.  He  immediately 
directed  his  steps  to  Greenwich,  that  he  might  ascertain 
if  his  father  was  in  existence;  for  he  had  received  no 
letters  since  his  departure,  although  he  had  taken  several 
opportunities  to  write.  It  is  true  that  he  had  not  expected 
any;  he  knew  that  his  father  was  too  absent  ever  to 
think  about  writing  to  him,  and  his  uncle  much  too  busy 
to  throw  away  any  portion  of  his  time  in  unnecessary 
correspondence. 

When  we  approach  the  dwelling  containing,  or  supposed 
to  contain,  an  object  of  solicitude,  of  whose  existence  we 
are  uncertain,  what  a  thrill  of  anxiety  pervades  the  frame ! 
How  quickened  is  the  throbbing  of  the  heart !  how  checked 
the  respiration  !  Thus  it  was  with  Newton  Forster  as  he 
raised  his  hand  to  the  latch  of  the  door.  He  opened  it, 
and  the  first  object  which  delighted  his  eyes  was  his  father 
seated  upon  a  high  stool  smoking  his  pipe,  in  the  company 
of  two  veterans  of  the  hospital,  who  had  brought  their 
old  bones  to  an  anchor  upon  a  large  trunk.  They  were 
in  earnest  conversation,  and  did  not  perceive  the  company 
of  Newton,  who  waited  a  little  while,  holding  the  door 
ajar,  as  he  contemplated  the  group. 

One  of  the  pensioners  was  speaking,  and  continued : — 
"May  be,  or  may  not  be,  Mr  Forster,  that's  dubersome'y 


\ 


The  Merchant  Service  311 

but  if  so  be  as  how  he  is  alive,  why  you'll  see  him  soon, 
that's  sartain — take  my  word  for  it.  A  good  son,  as  you 
say  he  was,  as  soon  as  he  can  get  over  the  side  of  the  ship, 
always  bears  up  for  his  parent's  house.  With  the  help  of 
your  barnacles,  I  worked  my  way  clean  through  the  whole 
yarn,  and  I  seed  the  report  of  killed  and  wounded ;  and 
I'll  take  my  affidavy  that  there  w^arn't  an  officer  in  the 
fleet  as  lost  the  number  of  his  mess  in  that  action,  and  a 
most  clipping  affair  it  was  ;  only  think  of  mounseer  turning 
tail  to  marchant  vessels !  Damn  my  old  buttons  !  what 
will  our  jolly  fellows  do  next  ? " 

"  Next,  Bill !  why  there  be  nothing  to  do,  'less  they 
shave  off  the  beard  of  the  grand  Turk  to  make  a 
swab  for  the  cabin  of  the  king's  yacht,  and  sarve  out  his 
seven  hundred  wives  amongst  the  fleet.  I  say,  I  wonder 
how  he  keeps  so  many  of  them  craft  in  good  order  ? " 

**  I  knows,"  replied  the  other,  "  for  I  axed  the  very 
question  when  I  was  up  the  Dardanelles.  There  be  a 
black  fellow,  a  unique  they  calls  him,  with  a  large  sword 
and  a  bag  of  sawdust,  as  always  stands  sentry  at  the  door, 
and  if  so  be  a  woman  kicks  up  a  bobbery,  why  plump  her 
head  goes  into  the  bag." 

**  Well,  that's  one  way  to  make  a  good  woman  on  her  ; 
but  as  I  was  saying,  Mr  Forster,  you  mustn't  be  down  in 
the  mouth ;  a  seaman  as  knows  his  duty,  never  cares  for 
leave  till  all  the  work  be  done.  I'd  bet  a  yard  of  pigtail 
that  Mr  Newton " 

*'Is  here,  my  good  fellow!"  interrupted  Newton.  **My 
dear  father ! " 

Nicholas  sprang  off  his  seat  and  embraced  his  son. 

**  My  dear,  dear  boy !  why  did  you  not  come  to  me 
before  ?  I  was  afraid  that  you  had  been  killed.  Well, 
I'm  glad  to  see  you,  Newton.  How  did  you  like  the 
West  Indies  ? " 

"The  East  Hinges,  you  mean,  Mr  Forster. — Newton," 
continued  the  old  pensioner,  wiping  both  sides  of  his  hand 
upon  his  blue  breeches,  and  then  extending  it — "  Tip  us 
your  daddle,  my  lad ;  I  like  to  touch  the  flipper  of  one 


3 1 2  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

who  has  helped  to  shame  the  enemy ;  and  it  will  be  no 
disgrace  for  you  to  grapple  with  an  old  seaman,  who 
did  his  duty  as  long  as  he  had  a  pin  to  stand  upon." 

"With  pleasure,  my  friend,"  replied  Newton,  taking 
the  old  man's  hand,  while  the  other  veteran  seized  the 
one  unoccupied,  and,  surveying  Newton  from  top  to  toe, 
observed,  **  If  your  ship  be  manned  with  all  such  lads  as 
you — why,  she  be  damned  well  manned,  that's  all." 

Newton  laughed  and  turned  to  his  father. 

""Well,  father,  how  are  you? — have  you  been  quite 
well  ?     And  how  do  you  like  your  berth  here  ? " 

"Why,  Newton,  I  get  on  much  better  than  I  did  at 
Bristol." 

"It  be  Liverpool  he  mean,  Mr  Newton ;  but  your  good 
father  be  a  little  damaged  in  his  upper  works ;  his  memory 
box  is  like  a  sieve. — Come,  Bill,  we  be  two  too  many. 
When  father  and  son  meet  after  a  India  voyage,  there  be 
much  to  say  as  wants  no  listeners. — Good-bye,  Mr  Forster; 
may  you  never  want  a  son,  and  may  he  never  want  a 
ship ! " 

Newton  smiled  his  thanks  to  the  considerate  old 
pensioners,  as  they  stumped  out  of  the  door,  and  left  him 
alone  with  his  father.  The  communications  of  Nicholas 
were  as  concise  as  usual.  He  liked  his  situation,  liked  his 
company,  had  as  much  work  as  he  wished  for,  and  had 
enjoyed  good  health.  When  Newton  entered  upon  pecu- 
niary matters,  which  he  was  the  sooner  induced  to  do  by 
observing  that  his  father's  coat  and  smallclothes  were  in  a 
most  ruinous  condition,  he  discovered,  that  although  the 
old  gentleman  had  provided  himself  with  money  from  the 
bankers,  during  the  first  year,  to  purchase  a  new  suit  of 
clothes,  latterly  he  not  only  had  quite  forgotten  that  there 
were  funds  at  his  disposal,  but  even  that  he  had  procured 
the  clothes,  which  had  remained  in  the  chest  from  the  day 
they  had  been  sent  home  without  having  been  tried  on. 

"  Dear  me  !  now  I  recollect,  so  I  did ;  and  I  put  them 
upstairs  somewhere.  I  was  busy  at  the  time  with  my 
improvement  on  the  duplex." 


The  Merchant  Service  313 

"  Have  you  seen  much  of  my  uncle,  sir  ? "  inquired 
Newton. 

**  Your  uncle  ! — dear  me,  no  !  I  don't  know  where  he 
hves  ;  so  I  waited  until  you  came  back.  We'll  go  to- 
morrow, Newton,  or  he  may  think  me  unkind.  I'll  see  if 
his  watch  goes  well ;  I  recollect  he  said  it  did.  But, 
Newton,  tell  me  all  about  your  voyage,  and  the  action  with 
the  French  ships." 

Newton  entered  into  a  detail,  during  which  he  per- 
ceived by  his  father's  questions  that  his  memory  had 
become  more  impaired,  and  that  he  was  more  absent  than 
ever.  He  arranged  to  call  upon  his  uncle  the  ensuing 
day  ;  and  then  it  was  his  intention,  without  communicat- 
ing it  to  his  father,  to  make  every  inquiry  and  advertise 
to  ascertain  the  fate  of  his  mother.  This  was  a  duty 
which  he  had  long  wished  to  repeat ;  but  his  necessities 
and  want  of  time  had  hitherto  precluded  the  renewal  of 
the  task. 

Early  the  next  morning,  Newton  and  his  father  went 
up  to  London  by  the  Greenwich  coach  ;  and  a  walk  of 
a  few  minutes  after  they  were  put  down  brought  them 
to  the  chambers  of  Mr  John  Forster. 

"  How  do  you  do,  Mr  Scratton  ?  Is  my  uncle  at 
home  ?  "  inquired  Newton. 

Mr  Scratton  immediately  recognised  him,  and  very 
graciously  replied,  that  his  uncle  was  at  home  and  would 
be  very  glad  to  see  him,  having  talked  very  often  of 
him  lately. 

Newton  and  his  father  were  ushered  into  the  parlour, 
where  he  found  his  uncle  precisely  in  the  same  position 
as  when  he  last  saw  him  ; — it  would  almost  have  appeared 
that  he  had  not  quitted  his  seat  during  Newton's  tedious 
voyage. 

**  Nephew,"  said  Mr  John  Forster,  without  rising  from 
his  chair,  "  I  am  very  glad  to  see  you. — Brother  Nicholas, 
I  am  very  glad  to  see  you  too. — Chairs,  Scratton,"  con- 
tinued the  old  lawyer,  taking  his  watch  off  the  table,  and 
placing  it  in  his  fob.     "  Well,  nephew,  I  am  very  glad 


314  Newton  Forster 


to  hear  such  good  accounts  of  you.  I  saw  Mr  Bosanquet 
yesterday,  and  he  told  me  that  you  had  for  your  good 
conduct  been  promoted  to  the  rank  of  second  mate." 

"It  is  more  than  I  am  aware  of,"  replied  Newton, 
much  pleased  with  the  information.  "  I  am  much  obliged 
to  you  for  the  intelligence,  as  I  am  for  your  many  other 
acts  of  kindness." 

"  Well,  so  you  ought  to  be  ;  it's  no  bad  thing,  as  I 
told  you  before,  to  find  out  an  uncle.  By-the-bye,  there 
has  been  some  alteration  in  my  establishment  since  we 
parted,  nephew.  I  have  a  house  in  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields, 
and  a  spare  bed,  if  you  will  accept  of  it.  We  dine  at 
six ;  brother  Nicholas,  I  shall  be  very  happy  to  see  you, 
if  you  can  stay.  It  will  be  too  late  to  go  home  after 
dinner,  but  you  can  share  my  nephew's  bed." 

**  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  accept  your  kind  offer  for 
a  few  days,  sir,  if  it  does  not  incommode  you,"  replied 
Newton. 

**  No ;  you  will  not  incommode  me  there ,  but  you  do 
very  much  here^  where  I  am  always  busy.  So  good-bye, 
my  boy  ;  I  shall  be  at  home  at  six.  Brother  Nicholas, 
you  did  not  vouchsafe  me  an  answer." 

"  About  what,  brother  John  ? "  replied  Nicholas,  who 
had  been  **  in  the  clouds." 

"  Oh,  ni  tell  you  all  about  it,  father,"  said  Newton, 
laughing.  "  Come  away  now — my  uncle  is  busy."  And 
Nicholas  rose  up,  with  the  observation — 

"  Brother  John,  you  appear  to  me  to  read  a  great  deal." 

"  Yes,  I  do,  brother," 

**  How  much  do  you  read  a  day  ? " 

**  I  really  cannot  say ;  much  depends  upon  whether 
I  am  interrupted  or  not." 

*'  It  must  be  very  bad  for  your  eyes,  brother  John." 

"It  certainly  does  not  improve  them,"  replied  the 
lawyer,  impatiently. 

"  Come,  father,  my  uncle  is  very  busy,"  said  Newton, 
touching  Nicholas  on  the  arm. 

**  Well,  good-bye,  brother  John.     I  had  something  to 


The  Merchant  Service  315 

say — oh  !  I  hope  you  are  not  displeased  at  my  not  coming 
to  see  you  before  ?  " 

**  Humph!  not  in  the  least,  I  can  assure  you,  brother 
Nicholas ;  so  good-bye.  Newton,  you'll  bring  him  with 
you  at  six,"  said  Mr  John  Forster;  and  he  resumed  his 
brief  before  they  had  quitted  the  room. 

Newton  was  much  surprised  to  hear  that  his  uncle  had 
taken  a  house,  and  he  surmised  whether  he  had  not  also 
been  induced  to  take  a  wife.  He  felt  an  inclination  to 
put  the  question  to  Mr  Scratton,  as  he  passed  through 
the  office  ;  but  checked  the  wish,  lest  it  should  appear 
like  prying  into  his  uncle's  affairs.  Being  the  month  of 
February,  it  was  dark  long  before  six  o'clock,  and  Newton 
was  puzzled  what  to  do  with  his  father  until  that  time. 
He  returned  to  the  Salopian  Coffee-house,  opposite  to 
which  they  had  been  put  down  by  the  Greenwich  coach  ; 
and  taking  possession  of  a  box,  called  for  some  biscuits 
and  a  pint  of  sherry ;  and  requesting  his  father  to  stay 
there  until  his  return,  went  out  to  purchase  a  sextant,  and 
some  other  nautical  luxuries,  which  his  pay  enabled  him  to 
procure  without  trespassing  upon  the  funds  supplied  by 
the  generosity  of  his  uncle.  He  then  returned  to  his 
father,  who  had  finished  the  wine  and  biscuits,  and  had 
his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  ceiling  of  the  room  ;  and  calling  a 
hackney  coach,  drove  to  the  direction  which  his  uncle  had 
pointed  out  as  his  residence. 

Mr  John  Forster  had  already  come  home,  and  they 
found  him  in  the  dining-room,  decanting  the  wine  for 
dinner,  with  Amber  by  his  side.  Newton  was  surprised 
at  the  appearance  of  a  little  girl ;  and,  as  he  took  her 
proffered  hand,  inquired  her  name. 

**  Amber.  Papa  says  it's  a  very  foolish  name ;  don't 
you,  papa  ? " 

"  Yes,  my  dear,  I  do ;  but  now  we  are  going  to  dinner, 
and  you  must  go  to  Mrs  Smith  :  so  good-night." 

Amber  kissed  the  old  lawyer,  as  he  stooped  to  her  ;  and 
wishing  the  company  good-night,  she  left  the  room. 

"  Brother  John,"  said  Nicholas,  "  I  really  had  no  idea 
that  you  were  a  married  man." 


3i6  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Humph !  I  am  not  a  married  man,  brother." 

**  Then  pray,  brother,  how  is  it  possible  for  that  little 
girl  to  be  your  daughter  ? " 

**I  did  not  say  she  was  my  daughter:  but  now  we  will 
go  upstairs  into  the  drawing-room,  while  they  put  the 
dinner  on  the  table." 

The  dinner  was  soon  announced ;  the  cookery  was  plain, 
but  good,  the  wine  excellent.  "When  the  dessert  was 
placed  on  the  table,  Mr  John  Forster  rose,  and  taking  two 
bottles  of  port-wine  from  the  side-board,  placed  them  on 
the  table,  and  addressed  Newton. 

**  Nephew,  I  have  no  time  to  sip  wine,  although  it  is 
necessary  that  I  drink  it.  Now,  we  must  drink  fast,  as  I 
have  only  ten  minutes  to  spare  ;  not  that  I  wish  you  to 
drink  more  than  you  like,  but  I  must  push  the  bottle 
round,  whether  you  fill  or  no,  as  I  have  an  appointment, 
what  we  call  a  consultation,  at  my  chambers.  Pass  the 
bottle,  brother,"  continued  the  lawyer,  helping  himself, 
and  shoving  the  decanter  to  Nicholas. 

Nicholas,  who  had  been  little  accustomed  to  wine, 
obeyed  mechanically,  swallowing  down  each  glass  a  gorge 
deployee,  as  he  was  awoke  from  his  meditations  by  the 
return  of  the  bottle,  and  then  filling  up  his  glass  again. 
Newton,  who  could  take  his  allowance  as  well  as  most 
people,  could  not,  however,  venture  to  drink  glass  for 
glass  with  his  uncle,  and  the  bottle  was  passed  several 
times  without  his  filling.  When  the  ten  minutes  had 
elapsed,  Mr  John  Forster  took  his  watch  from  the  table, 
replaced  it  in  his  fob,  and  rose  from  his  chair.  Locking 
up  the  remainder  of  the  wine,  he  quitted  the  house  without 
apology,  leaving  his  guests  to  entertain  themselves,  and 
order  tea  when  they  felt  inclined. 

"  My  brother  seems  to  be  very  busy,  Newton,"  observed 
Nicholas.  "  What  wine  was  that  we  have  been  drinking  ? 
It  was  very  strong  ;  I  declare  my  head  turns  round ; "  and 
in  a  few  moments  more  Nicholas  dropped  his  head  upon 
the  table,  and  was  fast  asleep. 

Newton,  who  perceived  that  his  father  was  affected  by 


The  Merchant  Service  317 

the  wine  which  he  had  been  drinking,  which  was,  in  the 
sum  total,  a  pint  of  sherry  at  the  coffee-house  before  dinner, 
and  at  least  a  bottle  during  and  after  his  meal,  thought  it 
better  that  he  should  be  allowed  to  take  his  nap.  He 
therefore  put  out  the  candles,  and  went  up  into  the 
drawing-room,  where  he  amused  himself  with  a  book 
until  the  clock  struck  twelve.  According  to  the  regula- 
tions of  the  house,  the  servants  had  retired  to  bed,  leaving 
a  light  in  the  passage  for  their  master  on  his  return,  which 
sometimes  was  at  a  very  late  hour,  or  rather,  it  should  be 
said,  at  a  very  early  one.  Newton  lighted  a  chamber- 
candlestick,  and  went  down  into  the  parlour  to  rouse  his 
father  j  but  all  his  attempts  were  in  vain.  The  wine  had 
taken  such  an  effect  upon  him,  that  he  was  in  a  state  of 
lethargy.  Newton  observed  that  the  servant  had  cleared 
the  table,  and  that  the  fire  was  out :  and,  as  there  was  no 
help  for  it,  he  removed  the  chairs  to  the  end  of  the  room, 
that  his  father  might  not  tumble  over  them  if  he  awoke  in 
the  dark,  and  then  retired  to  his  own  bed. 


Chapter   XLIII 

**  Angels  and  ministers  of  grace  defend  us  t 

Be  thy  intents  wicked  or  charitable, 
Thou  com'st  in  such  a  questionable  shape 
That  I  will  speak  to  thee." 

Shakespeare. 

It  was  past  two  o'clock  when  Mr  John  Forster  returned 
from  his  chambers,  and  let  himself  in  with  a  pass-key. 
Having  secured  the  street-door,  the  old  gentleman  lighted 
his  candle  from  the  lamp,  which  he  then  blew  out, 
and  had  his  foot  upon  the  first  step  of  the  stairs,  when  he 
was  startled  by  a  loud  snore  from  Nicholas  in  the  dining- 
room;  he  immediately  proceeded  there,  and  found  his 
brother,  with  his  head  still  lying  on  the  table. 


31 8  Newton  Forster,-  or, 

"  Humph  !  "  ejaculated  the  lawyer.  **  Why,  brother 
Nicholas  !  brother  Nicholas  !  " 

Nicholas,  who  had  nearly  slept  off  the  effects  of  the 
wine,  answered  with  an  unintelligible  sort  of  growling. 

**  Brother  Nicholas,  I  say, — brother  Nicholas, — will  you 
get  up,  or  lie  here  all  night  ? " 

"They  shall  be  cleaned  and  ready  by  to-morrow 
morning,"  replied  Nicholas,  dreaming. 

"  Humph  !  that's  more  than  you  will  be,  apparently, — I 
say,  brother  Nicholas." 

"  Yes,  brother,"  replied  Nicholas,  raising  his  head  and 
staring  at  the  candle.     "  Why,  what's  the  matter  ?  " 

"  The  matter  is,  that  I  wish  to  go  to  bed,  and  wish  to 
see  you  in  bed  before  I  go  myself." 

**  Yes,  brother  John,  if  you  please,  certainly.  Where's 
my  bed  ?     I  do  believe  I  have  been  asleep." 

"  Humph  !  I  have  no  doubt  upon  the  subject,"  replied 
John  Forster,  lighting  another  candle.  **  Come  this  way, 
brother  Nicholas,"  and  they  both  ascended  the  stairs. 

When  Mr  John  Forster  arrived  at  the  door  of  his  own 
room,  on  the  first  storey,  he  stopped.  "  Now,  brother 
Nicholas,  are  you  quite  awake  ?  Do  you  think  that  I  may 
trust  you  with  the  candle  ?  " 

**  I  should  hope  so,"  replied  Nicholas  ;  **  I  see  that  it  is 
silver,  but  I  hope  I'm  honest,  brother  John." 

**  Humph  !  I  mean,  can  I  trust  you  to  put  it  out  ?  " 

**  Yes,  I  think  that  you  may.  Pray,  which  is  my 
room  ? " 

"  The  first  door  on  the  left,  when  you  are  at  the  top  of 
the  stairs." 

"  The  first  door." 

"  Yes,  the  first  on  the  left  ;  do  you  understand  ?  " 

"  Yes,  brother,  I  do  ;  the  first  door  on  the  left." 

"  Very  well  j  then  I  wish  you  a  good-night." 

"  Good-night,  brother,"  replied  Nicholas,  ascending  the 
stairs  as  John  Forster  entered  his  room. 

Nicholas  arrived  at  the  head  of  the  stairs ;  but  his  brain 
was  not  very  clear.     He  muttered  to  himself  "I  think  I'm 


The  Merchant  Service 


319 


right — yes,  Vm  right — the  first  door — to  the  right — yes — 
that's  it ; "  and  instead  of  the  room  to  the  left,  where 
Newton  was,  he  walked  into  the  one  to  the  right,  which 
appertained  to  the  housekeeper,  Mrs  Smith. 

The  old  lady  was  fast  asleep.  Nicholas  threw  off 
his  clothes,  put  out  his  candle,  and  stepped  into  bed 
without  waking  the  old  lady,  whom  he  supposed  to  be 
his  son,  and  in  a  few  minutes  they  snored  in  concert. 

The  morning  dawned.  The  watchmen  (London  nightin- 
gales) ceased  their  notes  and  retired  to  their  beds.  The 
chimney-sweeps  (larks  of  the  metropolis)  raised  their 
shrill  cry  as  they  paced  along  with  chattering  teeth. 
Housemaids  and  kitchen-maids  presented  their  back  views 
to  the  early  passengers  as  they  washed  oiF  the  accumula- 
tion of  the  previous  day  from  the  steps  of  the  front-door. 

"Milk  below  "  (certainly  much  below  **  proof")  was 
answered  by  the  ascent  of  the  busy  cooks,  when  a  knock 
at  the  door  of  Mrs  Smith's  room  from  the  red  knuckles  of 
the  housemaid,  awoke  her  to  a  sense  of  her  equivocal 
situation. 

At  her  first  discovery  that  a  man  was  in  her  bed,  she 
uttered  a  scream  of  horror,  throwing  herself  upon  her  knees, 
and  extending  her  hands  before  her  in  her  amazement. 
The  scream  awoke  Nicholas,  who,  astonished  at  the  sight, 
and  his  modesty  equally  outraged,  also  threw  himself 
in  the  same  posture,  facing  her,  and  recoiling.  Each 
looked  aghast  at  each :  each  considered  the  other  as 
the  lawless  invader  j  but  before  a  word  of  explanation 
could  pass  between  them,  their  countenances  changed 
from  horror  to  surprise,  from  surprise  to  anxiety  and 
doubt. 

"  Why  !  "  screamed  the  housekeeper,  losing  her  breath 
with  astonishment. 

"  It  is  !  "  cried  Nicholas,  retreating  further. 

**  Yes — yes — it  is — my  dear  Nicholas  !  " 

"  No — it  can't  be,"  replied  Nicholas,  hearing  the  fond 
appellation. 

*'  It  is — oh  !   yes — it  is  your  poor  unhappy  wife,  who 


320  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

begs  your  pardon,  Nicholas,"  cried  the  housekeeper,  burst- 
ing into  tears,  and  falling  into  his  arms. 

"  My  dear — dear  wife  !  "  exclaimed  Nicholas,  as  he 
threw  his  arms  around  her,  and  each  sobbed  upon  the 
other's  shoulder. 

In  this  position  they  remained  a  minute,  when  Mr  John 
Forster,  who  heard  the  scream  and  subsequent  exclama- 
tions, and  had  taken  it  for  granted  that  his  brother  had 
been  guilty  of  some  contretemps^  first  wiped  the  remaining 
lather  from  his  half-shaved  chin,  and  then  ascended  to  the 
housekeeper's  room,  from  whence  the  noise  had  proceeded. 
"When  he  opened  the  door,  he  found  them  in  the  position 
we  have  described,  both  kneeling  in  the  centre  of  the  bed 
embracing  and  sobbing.  They  were  so  wrapt  in  each 
other,  that  they  did  not  perceive  his  entrance.  Mr  John 
Forster  stared  with  amazement  for  a  few  seconds,  and  thus 
growled  out : — 

"Why,  what  are  you  two  old  fools  about  ? " 

"  It's  my  husband,  sir," — "  It's  my  wife,  brother  John," 
cried  they,  both  at  once,  as  the  tears  coursed  down  their 
cheeks. 

"  Humph !  "  ejaculated  the  lawyer,  and  he  quitted  the 
room. 

We  must  let  the  reader  imagine  the  various  explanations 
which  took  place  between  Nicholas  and  his  truly  reformed 
wife,  Newton  and  his  uncle.  Amber,  and  everybody  in  the 
household,  while  we  narrate  the  events  which  had  brought 
about  this  singular  denouement. 

The  reader  may  recollect  that  we  left  Mrs  Forster  in 
the  lunatic  asylum,  slowly  recovering  from  an  attack  of 
brain-fever,  which  had  been  attended  with  a  relapse.  For 
many  weeks  she  continued  in  a  state  of  great  feebleness, 
and  during  that  time,  when  in  the  garden,  in  company  with 
other  denizens  of  this  melancholy  abode  (wishing  to  be 
usefully  employed),  she  greatly  assisted  the  keepers  in 
restraining  them,  and,  in  a  short  time,  established  that 
superiority  over  them  which  is  invariably  the  result  of 
a  sane   intellect.      This   was    soon   perceived  by  Doctor 


The  Merchant  Service  321 

Beddington,  who  (aware  of  her  destitute  condition)  offered 
her  a  situation  as  nurse  in  the  establishment,  until  the 
inspecting  magistrates  should  make  their  appearance,  with 
the  promise  that  she  might  continue  in  it  afterwards,  if  she 
thought  proper.  This  proposal  was  accepted  by  Mrs 
Forster,  until  she  might  resolve  what  course  to  take,  and 
she  soon  became  a  most  invaluable  person  in  the  establish- 
ment, effecting  more  by  lenient  and  kind  treatment  than 
the  keepers  were  able  to  do  by  their  violence.  So  com- 
pletely changed  was  Mrs  Forster  in  disposition,  that  so  far 
from  feeling  any  resentment  against  those  who  had  been 
the  means  of  her  confinement,  she  acknowledged  to  herself 
that  her  own  conduct  had  been  the  occasion  of  her  mis- 
fortune, and  that  those  who  had  contributed  to  open  her 
eyes  to  her  former  insanity,  were  her  best  friends.  She 
was  humbled,  and  unhappy ;  but  she  kissed  the  rod.  All 
that  she  now  wished  was  to  find  out  her  husband,  and  by 
her  future  conduct  to  make  reparation  for  the  past.  One 
of  the  gaolers,  at  her  request,  made  every  inquiry  as  to 
the  part  of  England  to  which  Nicholas  had  removed  ;  but 
it  was  without  success.  All  trace  was  lost  ;  and  Mrs 
Forster  accepted  the  situation  of  nurse,  until  she  might  be 
enabled  to  prosecute  her  search,  or  obtain  the  intelligence 
which  she  desired. 

For  nine  months  Mrs  Forster  remained  on  the  establish- 
ment, during  which  time  she  had  saved  a  sum  of  money 
sufficient  for  her  support  and  travelling  expenses.  She 
then  resolved  to  search  after  her  husband,  whose  pardon 
for  her  previous  conduct  seemed  to  be  the  sine  qua  non 
for  which  she  continued  to  exist.  She  took  leave  of  the 
doctor  ;  and,  strange  to  say,  it  was  with  feelings  of  regret 
that  she  quitted  an  abode,  once  the  source  of  horror  and 
disgust  :  but  time  reconciles  us  to  everything,  and  she 
made  a  half  promise  to  Dr  Beddington,  that  if  she  could 
not  hear  any  tidings  of  her  husband,  or  should  discover 
that  he  was  no  more,  she  would  return  to  the  situation. 

Mrs  Forster  directed  her  course  to  London  ;  why,  or 
wherefore,  she  hardly  knew ;   but   she  had  imbibed   the 


322  Newton  Forster;  or, 

idea  that  the  metropolis  was  the  most  likely  place  to  meet 
with  him.  Her  first  inquiries  were  about  any  families  of 
the  name  of  Forster  ;  but  the  Directory  gave  such  an 
enormous  list  of  Forsters,  of  all  trades  and  callings,  and  in 
every  situation  in  life,  that  she  closed  it  with  despair. 
She  had  a  faint  recollection  that  her  husband  (who  was 
never  very  communicative,  and  least  of  all  to  her)  had 
stated  that  he  had  a  brother  alive  somewhere  ;  but  this 
was  all  that  she  knew.  Nevertheless,  she  set  about  her 
task  in  good  earnest,  and  called  upon  every  one  of  the 
name  in  the  middling  classes  of  life,  to  ascertain  if  they 
were  relations  of  her  husband.  There  were  many  in  high 
life  whose  names  and  addresses  she  had  obtained  from  the 
Red-book ;  but  to  them  she  dared  not  apply.  All  she 
could  do  was  to  question  the  servants  ;  but  every  answer 
was  unsatisfactory  ;  and  Mrs  Forster,  whose  money  was 
nearly  expended,  had  serious  thoughts  of  returning  to  the 
lunatic  establishment,  when  the  advertisement  in  the  news- 
papers, of  Mr  Scratton,  for  a  housekeeper,  which  Mr  John 
Forster  had  desired  him  to  procur-e,  met  her  eye.  Un- 
willing to  leave  London,  she  applied  for,  and  obtained 
the  situation,  having  received  an  excellent  character  from 
Doctor  Beddington,  to  whom  she  had  written  and  explained 
her  views. 

Her  heart  leapt  when  she  discovered  that  her  master's 
name  was  Forster :  and  when  she  first  saw  him  she  could 
not  but  persuade  herself  that  there  was  a  family  likeness. 
The  germs  of  hope  were,  however,  soon  withered,  when 
Amber,  in  answer  to  her  inquiries,  stated  that  Mr  Forster 
had  a  brother  lately  dead,  who  had  never  been  married,  and 
that  she  never  heard  of  his  having  another.  Her  fellow- 
servants  were  all  as  strange  as  herself,  and  Mrs  Forster 
(who  had  assumed  the  name  of  Smith)  was  obliged  to  have 
recourse  to  that  patience  and  resignation  which  had  been  so 
severely  inculcated.  The  charge  of  Amber  soon  proved  a 
source  of  delight ;  the  control  which  she  had  over  the 
household  a  source  of  gratification  (not,  as  before,  for  the 
pleasure  of  domineering,  but  for  the  sake  of  exercising 


The  Merchant  Service  323 

kindness  and  forbearance),  and  Mrs  Forster  was  happy  and 
resigned. 

It  may  be  surmised  as  strange,  that  during  the  period 
which  she  remained  in  this  capacity,  she  had  never  heard 
mention  of  her  husband  or  her  son ;  but  it  must  be 
remembered  that  Nicholas  had  never  called  upon  his 
brother,  and  that  Newton  was  in  the  East  Indies ;  and, 
moreover,  that  Mr  John  Forster  was  just  as  little  inclined 
to  be  communicative  as  her  husband.  Indeed,  he  never 
came  in  contact  with  his  housekeeper,  except  to  pay  the 
bills,  which  was  regularly  once  a  month,  when  he  called 
her  down  after  dinner,  and  after  the  accounts  were  settled, 
offered  her  a  glass  of  wine,  as  a  proof  of  his  being  satisfied 
with  her  conduct.  When  Newton  and  his  father  arrived 
at  the  chambers  on  the  day  before  the  discovery,  and  were 
invited  to  dinner,  his  note  of  communication  was  as  laconic 
as  usual. 

"  Mrs  Smith, — I  have  invited  two  gentlemen  to  dine 
with  me  to-day,  six  precisely. 

**  John  Forster." 

**  P.S. — Let  the  spare  bed  be  ready." 

Mrs  Forster  prepared  everything  as  directed  ;  and  having 
done  her  duties  below,  retired  to  her  room,  where  she 
usually  sat  with  Amber.  She  did  not  therefore  see  the 
parties  when  they  entered  ;  and  Amber,  who  had  run  down 
to  meet  her  protector,  heard  nothing  during  her  short  stay 
in  the  room,  to  suppose  that  they  were  relatives  of  Mr 
John  Forster.  All  that  she  had  to  communicate  was,  that 
the  parties  were  an  elderly  gentleman  and  a  very  handsome 
young  man. 

Yet  even  this  simple  communication  caused  the  pulse  of 
Mrs  Forster  to  accelerate.  They  might  be  her  husband 
and  her  son.  It  was  the  first  time  that  the  spare  bed  had 
been  ordered.  Reflection,  however,  convinced  her  that 
her  hopes  were  strung  upon  too  slight  a  thread  ;  and, 
musing  on  the  improbability  of  not  having  ascertained 
during   a  year  the  fact  of  her  master  having  so  near  a 


324  Newton  Forster;  or, 

relative — moreover,  her  son  was  not  in  existence — she 
sighed,  and  dismissed  the  idea  as  ridiculous.  Before  the 
gentlemen  had  finished  their  wine,  Amber  was  in  bed,  and 
Mrs  Forster  invariably  sat  at  the  side  of  it  until  her  own 
hour  of  repose  had  arrived.  A  certain  indefinable  curiosity 
still  remained  lurking  ;  yet,  as  she  could  not  gratify  it  with- 
out intrusion  (if  the  strangers  were  still  up),  she  retired  to 
bed,  with  the  reflection  that  all  her  doubts  would  be 
relieved  in  the  morning  ;  and,  after  lying  awake  for  some 
hours  in  a  state  of  suspense,  she  at  last  fell  into  that  sound 
sleep  which  is  usually  produced  by  previous  excitement. 
How  she  was  awakened  from  it,  the  reader  has  been  already 
informed. 

"It's  rather  awkward,  Newton,"  said  Mr  John  Forster, 
about  ten  days  afterwards.  **  I  cannot  do  without  your 
mother,  that's  certain ;  but  what  am  I  to  do  with  your 
father  ?     Humph  !     Well,  she  must  take  charge  of  him  as 

well  as  Amber.     She  must  teach  him " 

"  Teach  him  what,  sir  ?  "  replied  Newton,  laughing. 
**  Teach   him   what  ?     Why,    to   leave   my  watch  and 
spectacles    alone.       I    dare    not    lay   them    down   for   a 
moment." 

"  I  think  we  may  teach  him  that,  sir,  if  it  is  all  that  you 
require." 

"  I  ask  no  more  :  then  he  may  go  about  the  house 
like  a  tame  rabbit.  When  will  your  ship  be  ready, 
boy?" 

"In   about   a   fortnight,    sir.      I   called   upon   Captain 
Oughton  the   day  before  yesterday,  but  he  was   not   at 
home.     His  steward  gave  me  the  information." 
"  What  is  the  name  of  the  ship  ?  " 
**  The  Windsor  Castle ^  sir." 

"  Why,  all  the  India  ships  appear  to  be  called  Castles. 
Your  last  ship  was  the  Bombay  Castle,  I  think  ? " 

"  Yes,  sir :  there  are  a  great  many  of  them  so  named — 
they  really  are  floating  castles." 

"  And  full  of  ladies.  You  *  castle  your  queens,'  as  they 
do  at  chess.     Humph  !  " 


The  Merchant  Service  325 

A  pun  from  Mr  John  Forster  was  a  rarity  :  he  never 
had  been  known  to  make  one  before :  and  Newton  asserts 
that  he  never  heard  him  guilty  of  it  afterwards.  It 
deserves,  therefore,  bad  as  it  was,  to  be  recorded. 


Chapter  XLIV 

" but  to  stick  to  my  route 

'Twill  be  hard,  if  some  novelty  can't  be  struck  out. 
Is  there  no  Algerine,  no  Kamschatkan  arrived  ? 
No  plenipo-pacha,  three-tail'd  and  three  wived  ? 
No  Russian,  whose  dissonant,  consonant  name 
Almost  rattles  to  fragments  the  trumpet  of  fame? 

POSTSCRIPT. 

By-the-bye,  have  you  found  any  friend  who  can  construe 
That  Latin  account,  t'other  day,  of  a  monster  ? 
If  we  can't  get  a  Russian — and  that  story  in  Latin 
Be  not  too  improper,  I  think  I'll  bring  that  in." 

Moore. 

A  FEW  mornings  after  this  colloquy  with  his  uncle, 
Newton  was  very  busy  perambulating  the  streets  of 
London,  in  search  of  various  requisites  for  his  trip  to  India, 
when  his  hand  was  seized  before  he  had  time  to  call  to 
mind  the  features  of  the  party  who  shook  it  with  such 
apparent  warmth. 

"  My  dear  Mr  Forster,  I  am  so  delighted  to  see  you, 
so  happy  to  hear  of  your  gallant  adventure  with  the  French 
squadron.  Mrs  Plausible  will  be  quite  pleased  at  meeting 
her  old  shipmate ;  she  often  talks  about  you.  I  must 
make  sure  of  you,"  continued  the  doctor,  drawing  from  his 
pocket  a  large  packet  of  cards,  and  inserting  at  the  top  of 
one  Newton  Forster's  name  with  his  pencil.  "  This  is  an 
invitation  to  our  conversazione  of  to-morrow  night,  which 
you  must  do  us  the  honour  to  accept.  "We  shall  have  all 
the  scientific  men  of  the  day,  and  a  very  pretty  sprinkling 
of  nobility,  if  not  something  more.    However,  you  will 


326  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

see.  Shall  I  tell  Mrs  Plausible  that  you  will  come,  or  will 
you  disappoint  her  ?  " 

"  Why,"  replied  Newton,  **if  I  possibly  can  I  will.  I 
presume  the  hour  is  not  very  precise  ? " 

**  O  no,  from  nine  until  two  or  three  ;  but  if  you  wish 
to  see  great  people,  about  eleven  is  the  exact  time." 

"Well,  then,"  replied  Newton,  "the  time  which  suits 
great  people  also  suits  me.  I  hope  Mrs  Plausible  is  quite 
well." 

"  Quite  well,  I  thank  you.  Good-bye ; "  and  Dr 
Plausible  hurried  off  so  quickly,  that  Newton  was  induced 
to  look  after  him,  to  ascertain  what  could  induce  such  pre- 
cipitation. He  perceived  Dr  Plausible  shaking  hands 
warmly  with  another  gentleman,  and  after  a  few  seconds 
the  packet  of  cards  was  again  pulled  out  of  his  pocket,  and 
the  pencil  in  requisition.  It  will  be  necessary  to  go  back 
a  little,  to  acquaint  the  reader  with  what  had  occurred 
since  the  acceptation  of  Dr  Plausible  by  Miss  Tavistock, 
when  they  were  on  board  of  the  Bombay  Castle,  On  their 
arrival  at  Madras,  Miss  Tavistock's  early  and  dearest 
friend,  who  resided  in  the  up-country,  had  commissioned 
an  acquaintance  to  receive  Miss  Tavistock  until  they  could 
make  arrangements  for  her  journey  to  the  interior.  By 
this  female  acquaintance  Miss  Tavistock  was  kindly 
welcomed,  and  received  into  her  house ;  but  Miss 
Tavistock's  prospects  having  altered,  so  had  all  her 
devoted  attachment  to  the  friend  of  her  early  years.  She 
wrote,  announcing  her  intended  change  of  condition,  and 
regretting  that  Dr  Plausible's  affairs,  requiring  his 
immediate  presence  in  England,  would  prevent  her  having 
the  delight  of  embracing  one,  who  was  so  entwined  round 
her  heart.  The  letter  was  nevertheless  very  cold,  and 
Miss  Tavistock  was  very  much  abused  by  her  dearest 
friend,  who,  disappointed  in  her  expectations,  did  not 
even  condescend  an  answer.  In  a  week  Miss  Tavistock 
was  united  to  Dr  Plausible  ;  and  in  less  than  a  fortnight 
afterwards  they  were  on  their  passage  home.  Dr  Plausible 
found   that   his  wife's   report   of  her   circumstances  was 


! 

i 


The  Merchant  Service 


Z^7 


correct,  and  that  now  he  had  the  means  of  keeping  his 
carriage  and  of  seeing  company,  in  moderation.  Shortly 
after  their  return,  Dr  Plausible  took  the  lease  of  a  house 
in  a  betwixt  and  between  fashionable  street,  and  not 
wishing  to  remain  idle,  attempted  to  get  into  practice  as 
an  accoucheur  ;  for  although  the  fortune  brought  by  his 
wife  was  considerable,  still,  to  keep  his  carriage  in  London, 
he  was  obliged  **  to  sail  nearer  to  the  wind  "  in  other 
points  than  he  found  agreeable:  moreover  he  was 
ambitious.  A  night-bell,  with  *'  night-bell "  in  capital 
letters  over  it,  that  people  might  be  aware  in  the  broad 
day  that  it  was  a  night-bell,  which  of  course  they  could 
not  read  in  the  dark,  was  attached  to  one  side  of  the 
street  door.  It  was  as  loud  as  an  alarum-bell,  and  when 
rung,  was  to  be  heard  from  No.  12  to  No.  44,  in  the 
street  where  Dr  Plausible  resided. 

There  are  little  secrets  in  all  trades  ;  and  one  is,  how 
to  obtain  practice  as  a  medical  man,  which  whole  mystery 
consists  in  making  people  believe  that  you  have  a  great 
deal.  When  this  is  credited,  practice  immediately  follows; 
and  Dr  Plausible  was  aware  of  the  fact.  At  first  setting 
off,  his  carriage  drew  up  to  the  door  occasionally,  and 
stood  there  for  some  time,  when  the  doctor  made  his 
appearance,  and  stepped  in.  He  then  took  a  round  of 
about  three  hours  through  every  fashionable  part  of  the 
town,  sitting  well  forward,  that  everybody  might  see 
him,  apparently  examining  his  visiting-book.  At  times 
he  would  pull  up  at  some  distinguished  person's  door, 
when  there  were  two  or  three  carriages  before  him,  and 
getting  out,  would  go  in  to  the  porter  to  ask  some  frivolous 
question.  Another  ruse  was,  to  hammer  at  some  titled 
mansion,  and  inquire  for  another  titled  person,  by  mistake. 
This  occupied  the  morning  ;  after  which  Doctor  Plausible 
returned  home.  During  the  first  month  the  night-bell 
was  rung  two  or  three  times  a  week  by  the  watchman, 
who  was  fee'd  for  his  trouble ;  but  after  that  period  it 
increased  its  duties,  until  it  was  in  motion  once,  if  not 
twice,  every  night,  and  his  disturbed  neighbours  wished 


328  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Doctor  Plausible  and  his  extensive  practice  at  the  devil. 
The  carriage  also  was  now  rattled  to  the  door  in  a  hurry, 
and  Doctor  Plausible  was  seen  to  enter  it  with  his  case 
of  instruments,  and  drive  off  with  rapidity,  sometimes 
twice  a  day.  In  the  meantime,  Mrs  Plausible  did  her 
part,  as  she  extended  her  acquaintance  with  her  neigh- 
bours. She  constantly  railed  against  a  medical  husband  ; 
declared  that  Doctor  Plausible  was  never  at  home,  and 
it  was  impossible  to  say  at  what  hour  they  might  dine. 
The  tables  also  were  strewed  with  the  cards  of  great 
and  fashionable  people,  obtained  by  Doctor  Plausible  from 
a  celebrated  engraver's  shop,  by  a  douceur  to  the  shopman, 
when  the  master  was  absent.  At  last.  Doctor  Plausible's 
instruments  were  used  in  good  earnest ;  and,  although 
not  known  or  even  heard  of  in  the  fashionable  world,  he 
was  sent  for  by  the  would-be-fashionables,  because  they 
imagined  that  he  was  employed  by  their  betters.  Now 
it  so  happened  that  in  the  same  street  there  lived  another 
medical  man,  almost  a  prototype  of  Doctor  Plausible,  only 
not  quite  so  well  off  in  the  world.  His  name  was  Doctor 
Feasible.  His  practice  was  not  extensive,  and  he  was 
encumbered  with  a  wife  and  large  family.  He  also  very 
naturally  wished  to  extend  his  practice  and  his  reputation  ; 
and,  after  many  fruitless  attempts,  he  at  last  hit  upon  a 
scheme  which  he  thought  promised  to  be  successful. 

"  My  dear,"  said  he,  one  morning  to  his  wife,  "  I  am 
thinking  of  getting  up  a  conversazione,''* 

"  A  conversazione y  my  love !— why,  is  not  that  a  very 
expensive  affair  ?  " 

**  Why,  not  very.  But  if  it  brings  me  practice,  it  will 
be  money  well  laid  out." 

"  Yes,  my  love,  if  it  does,  and  if  we  had  the  money 
to  lay  out." 

"  Something  must  be  done.  I  have  hardly  a  patient 
left.  I  have  an  idea  that  it  will  succeed.  Go,  my  dear, 
and  make  up  this  prescription,  and  let  the  boy  take  it 
to  Mrs  Bluestone's.  I  wish  I  had  a  couple  of  dozen 
patients  like  her.     I  write  her  prescription,  take  my  fee. 


The  Merchant  Service  329 

and  then,  that  I  may  be  sure  that  it  is  properly  made  up, 
I  volunteer  to  take  it  to  the  chemist's  myself." 

"  Pray,  what  is  the  complaint  of  Mrs  Bluestone,  my 
love  ?  " 

*'  Nothing ;  she  over-eats  herself — that's  all.  Abernethy 
would  cure  her  in  twenty-four  hours." 

**  Well,  but,  my  love,  about  this  conversazione  V^ 

**  Go  and  make  up  the  prescription,  my  dear,  and  we'll 
talk  the  matter  over  afterwards." 

They  did  so.  A  list  of  the  people  they  were  acquainted 
with  was  drawn  out,  the  expense  calculated,  and  the  affair 
settled. 

The  first  point  to  be  considered  was  the  size  of  the 
cards. 

"  These,  my  love,"  said  Mrs  Feasible,  who  came  in  from 
a  long  walk,  with  her  bonnet  still  on,  *'  these  are  three 
shillings  and  sixpence  a  hundred  ;  and  these,  which  are 
a  size  larger,  are  four-and-sixpence.  Which  do  you  think 
we  ought  to  have  ?  " 

"  Why,  really,  my  dear,  when  one  sends  out  so  many, 
I  do  not  see  why  we  should  incur  unnecessary  expense. 
The  three-and-sixpenny  ones  are  quite  large  enough." 

**  And  the  engraving  will  be  fourteen  shillings." 

**  Well,  that  will  only  be  a  first  expense.  Conversazione 
in  old  English,  of  course." 

**  And  here,  my  love,  are  the  ribbons  for  the  maids'  caps 
and  sashes ;  I  bought  them  at  Waterloo  House,  very 
cheap,  and  a  very  pretty  candle-light  colour." 

**  Did  you  speak  to  them  about  their  gowns  ? " 

"  Yes,  my  love  ;  Sally  and  Peggy  have  each  a  white 
gown,  Betty  I  can  lend  one  of  my  own." 

The  difference  between  a  conversaziotie  and  a  rout  is 
simply  this : — in  the  former  you  are  expected  to  talk  or 
listen,  but  to  be  too  ethereal  to  eat.  In  the  latter,  to  be 
squeezed  in  a  crowd,  and  eat  ices,  &c.,  to  cool  yourselves. 
A  conversazione  has,  therefore,  a  great  advantage  over  the 
latter,  as  far  as  the  pocket  is  concerned,  it  being  much 
cheaper  to  procure  food  for  the  mind  than  food  for  the 


330  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

body.  It  would  appear  that  tea  has  been  as  completely 
established  the  beverage  of  modern  scientific  men,  as 
nectar  was  formerly  that  of  the  gods.  The  Athenseum 
gives  tea  ;  and  I  observed  in  a  late  newspaper,  that  Lord 

G has  promised  tea  to  the  Geographical  Society.   Had 

his  lordship  been  aware  that  there  was  a  beverage  invented 
on  board  ship  much  more  appropriate  to  the  science  over 
which  he  presides  than  tea,  I  feel  convinced  he  would  have 
substituted  it  immediately ;  and  I  therefore  take  this 
opportunity  of  informing  him  that  sailors  have  long  made 
use  of  a  compound  which  actually  goes  by  the  name  of 
geo-graffy,  which  is  only  a  trifling  corruption  of  the  name 
of  the  science,  arising  from  their  habit  of  laying  the  accent 
upon  the  penultimate.  I  will  now  give  his  lordship  the 
receipt,  which  is  most  simple. 

Take  a  tin  pot,  go  to  the  scuttle-butt  (having  obtained 
permission  from  the  quarter-deck),  and  draw  off  about 
half  a  pint  of  very  offensive-smelling  water.  To  this  add 
a  gill  of  vinegar  and  a  ship's  buscuit  broken  up  into  small 
pieces.  Stir  it  well  up  with  the  fore-finger ;  and  then, 
with  the  fore-finger  and  thumb,  you  may  pull  out  the 
pieces  of  buscuit,  and  eat  them  as  fast  as  you  please, 
drinking  the  liquor  to  wash  all  down. 

Now  this  would  be  the  very  composition  to  hand  round 
to  the  Geographical  Society.  It  is  not  christened  geography 
without  a  reason ;  the  vinegar  and  water  representing  the 
green  sea,  and  the  pieces  of  buscuit  floating  in  it  the  con- 
tinents and  islands  which  are  washed  by  it. 

Now,  my  lord,  do  not  you  thank  me  for  my  communica- 
tion ? 

But  we  must  return  to  the  conversazione  of  Doctor  and 
Mrs  Feasible. 

The  company  arrived.  There  was  rap  after  rap.  The 
whole  street  was  astounded  with  the  noise  of  the  wheels 
and  the  rattling  of  the  iron  steps  of  the  hackney-coaches. 
Doctor  Feasible  had  procured  some  portfolios  of  prints  ; 
some  Indian  idols  from  a  shop  in  Wardour  Street,  duly 
labelled  and  christened,  and  several  other  odds  and  ends 


The  Merchant  Service  331 

to  create  matter  of  conversation.  The  company  consisted 
of  several  medical  gentlemen  and  their  wives,  the  great 

Mr  B ,  and  the  facetious  Mr  C .     There  were  ten 

or  twelve  authors,  or  gentlemen  suspected  of  authorship, 
fourteen  or  fifteen  chemists,  all  scientific  of  course,  one 
colonel,  half-a-dozen  captains,  and  to  crown  all,  a  city 
knight  and  his  lady,  besides  their  general  acquaintance, 
unscientific  and  unprofessional.  For  a  beginning  this 
was  very  well ;  and  the  company  departed  very  hungry, 
but  highly  delighted  with  their  evening's  entertainment. 

"  What  can  all  that  noise  be  about  ?"  said  Mrs  Plausible 
to  her  husband,  who  was  sitting  with  her  in  the  drawing- 
room,  reading  the  Lancet,  while  she  knotted,  or  did  not, 

"  I  am  sure  I  cannot  tell,  Mrs  Plausible." 

"  There,  again !  I'm  sure  if  I  have  heard  one,  I  have 
heard  thirty  raps  at  a  door  within  this  quarter  of  an  hour. 
I'm  determined  I  will  know  what  it  is,"  continued  Mrs 
Plausible,  getting  up,  and  ringing  the  bell. 

"  Thomas,  do  you  know  what  all  that  noise  is  about  ? " 
said  Mrs  Plausible,  when  the  servant  answered  the  bell. 

"  No,  ma'am,  I  doesn't." 

"  Well,  then,  go  and  see.'* 

"  Yes,  ma'am." 

The  impatience  of  Mrs  Plausible,  during  the  absence  of 
Thomas,  increased  with  the  repetition  of  the  knocks. 

"  Well,  Thomas  ?  "  said  she,  as  the  footman  entered. 

"  If  you  please,  ma'am,  Mr  Feasible  has  got  a  conwersa- 
tion — that's  ail." 

"Got  a  what?" 

**  A  conversazione  he  means,  my  dear.  It's  very  strange 
that  Doctor  Feasible  should  pretend  to  give  such  a  thing  !  " 

"I  think  so  too,"  replied  the  lady.  "He  keeps  no 
carriage.     What  can  be  his  inducement  ?  " 

"  I  perceive,"  replied  Dr  Plausible,  "  he  wants  to  get 
practice.  Depend  upon  it,  that's  his  plan.  A  sprat  to 
catch  mackerel ! " 

Husband  and  wife  were  again  silent,  and  resumed  their 
occupations ;  but  the  Lancet  was  not  read,  and  the  knotting 


332  Newton  Forster;  or, 

was  all  in  knots,  for  they  were  both  in  a  brown  study. 
At  last,  Mrs  Plausible  commenced  : — 

"  I  really  do  not  see,  my  dear,  why  we  should  not  give 
a  conversazione  as  well  as  Doctor  Feasible." 

**  I  was  just  thinking  that  we  could  give  them  much 
better ;  our  acquaintance  now  is  very  numerous." 

"  And  very  respectable,"  replied  the  lady ;  **  it  will 
make  us  more  known  in  the  world." 

"  And  add  to  my  practice.  I'll  soon  beat  Doctor 
Feasible  out  of  the  field  !  " 

The  result  of  this  conversation  was  a  conversazione, 
which  certainly  was  on  a  much  better  scale,  and  better 
attended  than  the  one  collected  by  Doctor  Feasible. 
Doctor  Plausible  had  pumped  a  mutual  acquaintance  as 
to  the  merits  of  his  rival,  and  had  set  to  work  with  great 
diligence. 

He  ordered  his  carriage,  and  for  two  or  three  days 
previous  to  the  one  fixed,  went  round  to  all  his  friends 
who  had  curiosities,  foreign,  indigenous,  or  continental, 
admired  them,  talked  learnedly,  expressed  a  wish  to 
exhibit  them  to  several  gentlemen  of  talent  at  his  next 
conversazione,  pulled  out  a  card  for  the  party,  and  succeeded 
in  returning  home  with  his  carriage  stuffed  with  curiosities 
and  monstrosities. 

Negus  and  cherry-water  were  added  to  tea  in  the 
refreshment-room  ;  and  the  conversazione  of  Doctor  Plausible 
was  pronounced  by  those  who  had  been  invited  to  both, 
infinitely  superior  to  that  of  Doctor  Feasible.  A  good- 
natured  friend  called  upon  Doctor  and  Mrs  Feasible  with 
the  news.  They  pretended  indifference,  as  they  bit  their 
lips  to  conceal  their  vexation.  As  soon  as  he  took  his 
leave — 

**Well,  my  dear,"  said  Mrs  Feasible,  "what  do  you 
think  of  this  ?  Very  unhandsome  on  the  part  of  Doctor 
Plausible  !  I  was  told  this  morning  that  several  of  our 
acquaintances  have  expressed  a  wish  to  be  introduced  to 
him." 

"We  must  not  give  up  the  point,  my  love.     Doctor 


The  Merchant  Service  ^^^ 

Plausible  may  make  a  splash  once ;  but  I  suspect  that  his 
horses  eat  him  out  of  house  and  home,  and  interfere  very 
much  with  the  butcher's  bills.  If  so,  we  who  keep  no 
carriage  can  aiford  it  better.  But  it's  very  annoying,  as 
there  will  be  an  increase  of  expense." 

"  Very  annoying,  indeed  !  "  replied  the  lady.  **  Look 
at  his  card,  my  dear,  it  is  nearly  twice  as  large  as  ours. 
I  begged  it  of  Mr  Tomkins,  on  purpose  to  compare  it." 

"  Well,  then,  my  dear,  we  must  order  others,  and  mind 
that  they  measure  an  inch  more  than  his.  It  shall  cost 
him  something  before  we  have  done,  I'm  determined." 

**  You  heard  what  Mr  Smithson  said  ?  They  gave 
negus  and  cherry-water." 

"We  must  do  the  same.  I've  a  great  mind  to  give 
ices." 

**  Oh  !  my  love,  remember  the  expense.'* 

"  Very  true ;  but  we  can  ice  our  negus  and  cherry- 
water.     Rough  ice  is  only  twopence  a  pound,  I  believe." 

"  Well,  that  will  be  an  improvement." 

**  And  there  shall  be  more,  or  I'll  be  in  the  Bench," 
replied  the  doctor,  in  his  wrath. 

The  next  conversazione  for  which  cards  were  issued  by 
Doctor  Feasible,  was  on  a  superior  scale.  There  was  a 
considerable  increase  of  company.  He  had  persuaded  a 
country  baronet ;  secured  the  patronage  of  two  ladies  of 
rank  (with  a  slight  blot  on  their  escutcheons),  and  collected, 
amongst  others,  a  French  count  (or  adventurer),  a  baron 
with  mustachios,  two  German  students  in  their  costumes 
and  long  hair,  and  an  actress  of  some  reputation.  He  had 
also  procured  the  head  of  a  New  Zealand  chief;  some  red 
snow,  or  rather,  red  water  (for  it  was  melted),  brought 
home  by  Captain  Ross  ;  a  piece  of  granite  from  the  Croker 
mountains ;  a  kitten  in  spirits,  with  two  heads  and  twelve 
legs  ;  and  half-a-dozen  abortions  of  the  feathered  or  creep- 
ing tribes.  Everything  went  off  well.  The  two  last  fees 
he  had  received  were  sacrificed  to  have  the  party  announced 
in  the  Morning  Post,  and  Doctor  Feasible's  triumph  was 
complete. 


334  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

But  it  was  not  to  last  long.  In  ten  days  Dr  Plausible's 
cards  were  again  issued,  larger  than  Dr  Feasible's,  and  with 
a  handsome  embossed  border  of  lilies  and  roses.  Male 
attendants,  tea  and  coffee,  ices  and  liqueurs  were  prepared; 
and  Dr  Feasible's  heart  failed  him,  when  he  witnessed  the 
ingress  and  egress  of  the  pastrycooks,  with  their  boxes  on 
their  heads.  Among  his  company  he  had  already  mustered 
up  five  celebrated  blues ;  four  ladies  of  quality,  of  better 
reputation  than  Dr  Feasible's  ;  seven  or  eight  baronets  and 
knights  ;  a  bishop  of  Fernando  Po  ;  three  or  four  general 
officers ;  and  a  dozen  French  and  German  visitors  to  the 
country,  who  had  not  only  titles,  but  wore  orders  at  their 
button-holes.  Thus  far  had  he  advanced,  when  he  met 
Newton  Forster,  and  added  him  to  the  list  of  the  invited. 
In  about  two  hours  afterwards,  Dr  Plausible  returned  home 
to  his  wife,  radiant  with  smiles. 

"  My  dear,  who  do  you  think  has  promised  to  come  to- 
morrow night  ?  " 

"  Who,  my  love  ?  " 

"  Prince  Fizzybelli !  " 

**  You  don't  say  so  ? "  screamed  the  lady  with  her 
delight. 

**  Yes,  most  faithfully  promised." 

**  What  luill  the  Feasibles  say  ?  "  cried  the  lady  ; — "  but 
— is  he  a  real  prince  ?  " 

"  A  real  prince  !  O  yes,  indeed  is  he  !  well  known  in 
Tartary." 

**  Well,  Dr  Plausible^  I  have  good  news  for  you.     Here 

is  a  note  from  Mr  H ,  in  answer  to  yours,  in  which  he 

promises  you  the  loan  of  the  wax  figure  from  Germany,  of 
a  female  in  the  first  stage  of  par — partu— I  can't  make  out 
the  word." 

"  Excellent !  most  excellent !  "  cried  the  doctor,  rubbing 
his  hand  j  "  now  we  shall  do." 

Newton,  who  had  some  curiosity  to  see  a  conversazione, 
which  to  him  was  a  terra  incognita,  did  not  fail  to  go  at 
the  appointed  hour.  He  was  ushered  upstairs  into  the 
drawing-room,  at  the  door  of  which  he  was  received  by 


The  Merchant  Service 


335 


Mrs  Plausible,  in  blue  and  silver.  The  rooms  not  being 
very  large,  were  extremely  crowded,  and  Newton  at  one 
moment  found  himself  jammed  against  some  curiosity,  and 
at  another  treading  on  the  toes  or  heels  of  people,  who 
accepted  his  apologies,  looking  daggers,  and  with  a  snarling 
**  don't  mention  it." 

But  a  thundering  knock  at  the  door  was  followed  by  the 
announcement  of  His  Highness  Prince  Fizzybelli — Prince 
Fizzybelli  at  the  door — Prince  Fizzybelli  coming  up — 
Prince  Fizzybelli  (enters). 

Had  it  been  permitted,  Dr  Plausible  would  have  received 
his  guest  with  a  flourish  of  trumpets,  as  great  men  are  upon 
the  stage,  without  which  it  is  impossible  now-a-days  to 
know  a  great  man  from  a  little  one.  However,  the  hired 
attendants  did  their  duty,  and  the  name  of  Fizzybelli  was 
fizzed  about  the  room  in  every  direction.  Dr  Plausible 
trod  on  the  corns  of  old  Lady  G ,  upset  Miss  Peri- 
winkle, and  nearly  knocked  down  a  French  savant,  in  his 
struggle  to  obtain  the  door  to  receive  his  honoured  guest, 
who  made  a  bow,  looked  at  the  crowd — looked  at  the 
chandelier — looked  at  his  watch,  and  looked  very  tired  in 
the  course  of  five  minutes,  when  Prince  Fizzybelli  ordered 
his  carriage,  and  was  off'. 

Newton,  who  had  examined  several  very  strange  things 
which  occupied  the  tables  about  the  room,  at  last  made  his 
way  to  the  ante-room,  where  the  crowd  was  much  more 
dense  than  elsewhere.  Taking  it  for  granted  that  there 
was  something  interesting  to  be  seen,  he  persevered  until 
he  had  forced  his  way  to  the  centre,  when  what  was  his 
astonishment  when  he  beheld  under  a  long  glass-case  a 
figure  of  a  woman  modelled  in  wax,  of  exact  and  certainly 
of  beautiful  proportion !  It  was  as  large  as  life,  and  in  a 
state  of  perfect  nudity.  The  face  Hfted  up,  and  discovered 
the  muscles  beneath  ;  in  fact,  every  part  of  the  image  could 
be  removed,  and  presented  to  the  curious  every  part  of  the 
human  frame,  modelled  exact,  and  coloured.  Newton  was 
indeed  astonished  :  he  had  witnessed  several  articles  in  the 
other  room,  which  he  had  considered  more  fitted  for  the 


^^6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

museum  of  an  institution  than  a  drawing-room ;  but  this 
was  indeed  a  novelty  ;  and  when,  to  crown  all,  he  witnessed 
certain  little  demireps  of  science,  who  fancied  that  not  to  be 
ashamed  was  now  as  much  a  proof  of  knowledge,  as  in  our 
first  parents  it  was  of  innocence,  and  who  eyed  the  figure 
without  turning  away  from  it  or  blushing,  he  quitted  the 
room  with  disgust,  and  returned  home  quite  satisfied  with 
one  conversazione, 

I  am  not  partial  to  blues :  generally  speaking,  ladies  do 
not  take  up  science  until  they  find  that  the  men  will  not 
take  up  them ;  and  a  remarkably  clever  woman  by  reputa- 
tion is  too  often  a  remarkably  unpleasant  or  a  remarkably 
ugly  one.  But  there  are  exceptions ;  exceptions  that  a 
nation  may  be  proud  of — women  who  can  fulfil  their  duties 
to  their  husbands  and  their  children,  to  their  God  and  to 
their  neighbour,  although  endowed  with  minds  more 
powerful  than  is  allotted  to  one  man  in  tens  of  thousands. 
These  are  heavenly  blues  ;  and,  among  the  few,  no  one 
shines  more  pre-eminent  than  my  dear  Mrs  S e. 

However,  whether  Newton  was  satisfied  or  not,  this 
conversazione  was  a  finisher  to  Dr  Feasible,  who  resigned 
the  contest.  Dr  Plausible  not  only  carried  away  the 
palm — but,  what  was  still  worse,  he  carried  off  the 
"  practice ! '' 

Chapter  XLV 

"  Their  only  labour  is  to  kill  the  time ; 
And  labour  dire  it  is,  and  weary  woe. 
They  sit — they  lounge — turn  o'er  some  idle  rhyme : 

Then  rising  sudden — to  the  glass  they  go, 
Or  saunter  forth  with  loitering  step  and  slow." 

Castle  of  Indolence, 

Captain  Oughton,  who  commanded  the  Windsor  Castle^ 
was  an  original.  His  figure  was  short  and  thick-set,  his 
face  broad,  and  deeply  pitted  with  the  small-pox ;  his 
nose,  an  apology  for  a  nose,  being  a  small  tubercle  arising 
midway  between  his  eyes  and  mouth,  the  former  of  which 


The  Merchant  Service  337 

were  small,  the  latter  wide,  and  displaying  a  magnificent 
row  of  white  teeth.  On  the  whole,  it  was  impossible  to 
look  in  his  face  without  being  immediately  struck  with  his 
likeness  to  a  bull-dog.  His  temperament  and  his  pursuits 
were  also  analogous  ;  he  was  a  great  pugilist,  knew  the 
merits  of  every  man  in  the  ring,  and  the  precise  date  and 
circumstances  attending  every  battle  which  had  been  fought 
for  the  previous  thirty  years.  His  conversation  was  at  all 
times  interlarded  with  the  slang  terms  appropriated  to  the 
science  to  which  he  was  so  devoted.  In  other  points  he 
was  a  brave  and  trustworthy  officer,  although  he  valued 
the  practical  above  the  theoretical  branches  of  his  pro- 
fession, and  was  better  pleased  when  superintending  the 
mousing  of  a  stay  or  the  strapping  of  a  block  than  when 
"  flooring  "  the  sun,  as  he  termed  it,  to  ascertain  the  lati- 
tude, or  "breaking  his  noddle  against  the  old  woman's," 
in  taking  a  lunar  observation.  Newton  had  been  strongly 
recommended  to  him,  and  Captain  Oughton  extended  his 
hand  as  to  an  old  acquaintance,  when  they  met  on  the 
quarter-deck.  Before  they  had  taken  a  dozen  turns  up 
and  down.  Captain  Oughton  inquired  if  Newton  could 
handle  the  mauleys  •,  and  on  being  assured  in  the  negative, 
volunteered  his  instruction  during  their  passage  out. 

*' You  heard  the  end  of  it,  I  suppose?"  said  Captain 
Oughton,  in  continuance. 

"  The  end  of  what,  sir  ?  " 

**  What ! — why  the  fight.  Spring  beat.  I've  cleared 
three  hundred  by  him." 

"  Then,  sir,  I  am  very  glad  that  Spring  beat,"  replied 
Newton. 

"  I'll  back  him  against  a  stone  heavier  any  day  in  the 
week.  I've  got  the  newspaper  in  the  cabin,  with  the  fight 
— forty-seven  rounds ;  but  we  can't  read  it  now — we  must 
see  after  these  soldiers  and  their  traps.  Look  at  them," 
continued  Captain  Oughton,  turning  to  a  party  of  the 
troops  ordered  for  a  passage,  who  were  standing  on  the 
gangway  and  booms  j  "  every  man  Jack  with  his  tin  pot 
in  his  hand,  and  his  greatcoat  on.     Twig  the  drum-boy, 

F  Y 


^^S  Newton  Forster;  or, 

he  has  turned  his  coat — do  you  see  ? — with  the  lining  out- 
wards to  keep  it  clean.     By  Jove,  that's  a  wrinkle  !  " 

"  How  many  officers  do  you  expect,  Captain 
Oughton  ?  " 

"  I  hardly  know — they  make  such  alterations  in  their 
arrangements  ;  five  or  six,  I  believe.  The  boat  went  on 
shore  for  them  at  nine  o'clock.  They  have  sent  her  back, 
with  their  compliments,  seven  times  already,  full  of 
luggage.  There's  one  lieutenant — I  forget  his  name — 
whose  chests  alone  would  fill  up  the  main-deck.  There's 
six  under  the  half-deck,"  said  Captain  Oughton,  pointing 
to  them. 

**  Lieutenant  Winterbottom,"  observed  Newton,  reading 
the  name. 

*'  I  wish  to  Heaven  that  he  had  remained  the  winter,  or 
that  his  chests  were  all  to  the  bottom  !  I  don't  know 
where  the  devil  we  are  to  stow  them.  Oh,  here  they 
come  !     Boatswain's  mate,  *  tend  the  side  there.'  " 

In  a  minute,  or  thereabouts, the  military  gentlemen  made 
their  appearance  one  by  one  on  the  quarter-deck,  scrutinis- 
ing their  gloves  as  they  bade  adieu  to  the  side-ropes,  to 
ascertain  if  they  had  in  any  degree  been  defiled  by  the 
adhesive  properties  of  the  pitch  and  tar. 

Captain  Oughton  advanced  to  receive  them,  "  Welcome, 
gentlemen,"  said  he,  *'  welcome  on  board.  We  trip  our 
anchor  in  half  an  hour.  I  am  afraid  that  I  have  not  the 
pleasure  of  knowing  your  names,  and  must  request  the 
honour  of  being  introduced." 

"  Major  Clavering,  sir,"  said  the  major,  a  tall,  handsome 
man,  gracefully  taking  off  his  hat :  "  the  officers  who  ac- 
company are  (waving  his  hand  towards  them  in  succession). 
Lieutenant  Winterbottom — — " 

Lieutenant  Winterbottom  bowed. 

"I've  had  the  pleasure  of  reading  Lieutenant  Winter- 
bottom's  name  several  times  this  forenoon,"  observed 
Captain  Oughton,  as  he  returned  the  salute. 

"  You  refer  to  my  luggage,  I'm  afraid.  Captain 
Oughton." 


The  Merchant  Service  339 

"Why,  if  I  must  say  it,  I  certainly  think  you  have 
enough  for  a  general." 

"  I  can  only  reply  that  I  wish  my  rank  were  equal  to 
my  luggage ;  but  it  is  a  general  complaint  every  time  I 
have  the  misfortune  to  embark.  I  trust,  Captain  Oughton, 
it  will  be  the  only  one  you  will  have  to  make  of  me  during 
the  passage." 

Major  Clavering,  who  had  waited  during  this  dialogue, 
continued — "  Captain  Majoribanks,  whom  I  ought  to 
apologise  to  for  not  having  introduced  first " 

"  Not  at  all,  major  ;  you  just  heard  the  brevet  rank 
which  Winterbottom's  baggage  has  procured  him." 

"  Not  the  first  time  a  man  has  obtained  rank  through 
his  *  baggage,'"  observed  one  of  the  officers,  sotto  voce, 

"  Mr  Ansell,  Mr  Petres,  Mr  Irving." 

The  necessary  bows  were  exchanged,  and  Mr  Williams, 
the  first  mate,  desired  to  show  the  officers  to  their  respec- 
tive accommodations,  when  he  would  be  able  to  ascertain 
what  part  of  their  luggage  was  required,  and  be  enabled 
to  strike  the  remainder  down  into  the  after-hold. 

As  the  officers  followed  the  first  mate  down  the  com- 
panion-ladder. Captain  Oughton  looked  at  Mr  Ansell,  and 
observed  to  Newton,  "That  fellow  would  peel  well." 

The  Windsor  Castle  sailed,  and  in  a  few  days  was  clear 
of  the  channel.  Newton,  whose  thoughts  were  of  Isabel 
Revel,  felt  not  that  regret  at  quitting  the  country,  usually 
attached  to  those  who  leave  all  dear  to  them  behind.  He 
knew  that  it  was  by  following  up  his  profession  alone  that 
he  ever  could  have  a  chance  of  obtaining  her;  and  this 
recollection,  with  the  hopes  of  again  beholding  the  object 
of  his  affections,  lightened  his  heart  to  joy,  as  the  ship 
scudded  across  the  Bay  of  Biscay,  before  a  N.E.  gale. 
That  he  had  little  chance  at  present  of  possessing  her,  he 
knew ;  but  hope  leads  us  on,  and  no  one  more  than  the 
youth  who  is  in  love. 

The  table  of  Captain  Oughton  was  liberally  supplied, 
and  the  officers  embarked  proved  (as  they  almost  invari- 
ably do)  to  be  pleasant,  gentlemanlike  companions.     The 


340  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

boxing-gloves  were  soon  produced  by  Captain  Oughton, 
who  soon  ascertained  that  in  the  officer  who  **  would  peel 
so  well "  he  had  found  his  match.  The  mornings  were 
passed  away  in  sparring,  fencing,  reading,  walking  the 
deck,  or  lolling  on  the  hen-coops  upon  the  poop.  The 
announcement  of  the  dinner-hour  was  a  signal  for  rejoicing  ; 
and  they  remained  late  at  the  table,  doing  ample  justice  to 
the  captain's  excellent  claret.  The  evening  was  finished 
with  cards,  cigars,  and  hx2indy  paivnee.  Thus  passed  the 
time  away  for  the  first  three  weeks  of  the  passage,  during 
which  period  all  parties  had  become  upon  intimate  terms. 

But  the  voyage  is,  in  itself,  most  tedious ;  and 
more  tedious  to  those  who  not  only  have  no  duty  to 
perform,  but  have  few  resources.  As  soon  as  the  younger 
officers  thought  they  might  take  a  liberty,  they  examined 
the  hen-coops,  and  selecting  the  most  promising-looking 
cocks,  trimmed  them  for  fighting  ;  chose  between  them- 
selves, as  their  own  property,  those  which  they  most 
approved  of,  and  for  some  days  fed  and  sparred  them, 
to  get  them  into  wind,  and  ascertain  the  proper  way  in 
which  they  should  be  spurred.  In  the  meantime,  two 
pairs  of  spurs  were,  by  their  directions,  clandestinely 
made  by  the  armourer  of  the  ship,  and,  when  ready, 
they  took  advantage  of  the  time  when  Captain  Oughton 
was  every  day  employed  with  the  ship's  reckoning,  and 
the  poulterer  was  at  his  dinner  (viz.,  from  twelve  to 
one),  to  fight  a  main.  The  cocks  which  were  killed 
in  these  combats  were  returned  to  the  hen-coops,  and 
supposed  by  the  poulterer,  who  had  very  often  had  a 
glass  of  grog,  to  have  quarrelled  within  the  bars. 

"  Steward,"  said  Captain  Oughton,  "  why  the  devil 
do  you  give  us  so  many  fowls  for  dinner  ?  the  stock 
will  never  last  out  the  voyage  :  two  roast  fowls,  two 
boiled  fowls,  curried  fowl,  and  chicken  pie !  What  can 
you  be  thinking  of  ? " 

**  I  spoke  to  the  poulterer  on  the  subject,  sir ;  he 
constantly  brings  me  down  fowls,  and  he  tells  me  that 
they  kill  each  other  fighting." 


The  Merchant  Service  341 

"Fighting!  never  heard  of  fowls  fighting  in  a  coop 
before.     They  must  be  all  game  fowls." 

"That  they  are,  most  of  them,"  said  Mr  Petres ;  "I 
have  often  seen  them  fighting  when  I  have  been  on  the 
poop." 

**  So  have  I,"  continued  Ansell  ;  "  I  have  seen  worse 
cocks  in  the  pit." 

"  Well,  it's  very  odd ;  I  never  lost  a  cock  in  this  way 
in  all  my  voyages.  Send  the  poulterer  here ;  I  must 
inquire  about  it." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  the  steward  ;  and  he  quitted  the 
cabin. 

With  the  exception  of  the  major,  who  knew  nothing 
of  the  circumstances,  the  officers  thought  it  advisable  to 
decamp,  that  they  might  not  be  present  when  the  denoue- 
ment took  place.  The  poulterer  made  his  appearance, 
was  interrogated,  and  obliged,  in  his  own  defence,  to 
criminate  the  parties,  corroborating  his  assertions  by  pro- 
ducing a  pair  of  spurs  found  upon  a  cock  which  had 
been  killed,  and  thrown  behind  the  coop  in  a  hurry,  at 
the  appearance  of  Captain  Oughton  on  deck. 

**  I  am  sorry  that  my  officers  should  have  taken  such 
a  liberty,"  observed  the  major,  gravely. 

**  Oh,  never  mind,  major,  only  allow  me  to  be  even 
with  them ;  I  shouldn't  have  minded  if  I  had  seen  the 
fighting.  I  think  you  said  that  you  would  like  to  exercise 
your  men  a  little  this  afternoon  ? " 

"  I  did  ;  that  is,  if  not  inconvenient." 

**  Not  in  the  least,  major ;  the  quarter-deck  is  at  your 
service.     I  presume  you  do  not  superintend  yourself." 

"  Yes,  I  generally  do." 

"  Well,  don't  this  time ;  but  let  all  the  officers  ;  and 
then  I  shall  be  able  to  play  them  a  little  trick  that  will 
make  us  all  square." 

Major  Clavering  consented.  The  officers  were  ordered 
up  to  drill  their  men.  Captain  Majoribanks  and  Mr 
Irving  had  one  party  at  the  platoon  exercise. 

"Third  man,  your  hand  a  little  higher  on  the  barrel 


342  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

of  your  musket.  As  you  were ;  support — the  word 
support  is  only  a  caution — arms, — too — too." 

"  Two  and  two  makes  four,"  observed  one  of  the 
seamen. 

Lieutenant  Winterbottom  had  another  party  on  the  lee- 
side  of  the  quarter-deck.  "  Ram  down — cartridge. — 
No.  12,  slope  your  musket  a  little  more — too — too — only 
two  taps  at  the  bottom  of  the  barrel.  Return — ramrods. 
No.  4,  why  don't  you  draw  up  the  heel  of  your  right 
leg  level  with  the  other }  Recollect  now,  when  you 
shoulder  arms,  to  throw  your  muskets  up  smartly. — 
Shoulder — as  you  were — the  word  shoulder  is  only  a 
caution  ;  shoulder — arms.  Dress  up  a  little,  No.  8,  and 
don't  stick  your  stomach  out  in  that  way." 

Mr  Ansell  and  Mr  Petres  had  two  fatigue  parties  on 
the  poop,  without  muskets.  "  To  the  right — face — to 
the  right  face.     To  the  right — face — to  the  right — face." 

"  It's  a  dead  calm  with  them  soldiers — head  round  the 
compass,"  said  one  of  the  seamen  to  another. 

"  To  the  left — face — quick  march,  to  the  left — turn — 
to  the  right — turn — close  file — mark  time — right — left 
— right — left — forward." 

"  Them  'ere  chap's  legs  all  going  together  put  one  in 
mind  of  a  centipee — don't  they,  Tom  ?  " 

"  Yes,  but  they  don't  get  on  quite  so  fast.  Holloh, 
what  pipe's  that  ? — *  All  hands,  air  bedding.'  " 

The  ship  was  hauled  close  to  the  wind,  which  was  light. 
At  the  pipe,  the  sailors  below  ran  up  the  hatchway,  and 
those  on  deck  threw  down  their  work.  In  a  minute  every 
hammock  was  out  of  the  netting,  and  every  seaman  busy 
at  unlashing. 

"  Now,  major,  we  had  better  go  into  the  cabin,"  said 
Captain  Oughton,  laughing.     "  I  shall,  I  can  assure  you." 

Beds  and  blankets  which  are  not  aired  or  shook  more 
than  once  a  month,  are  apt  to  be  very  full  of  what  is 
termed  jluff  and  blanket  hairs,  and  they  have  a  close  smell, 
by  no  means  agreeable.  The  sailors,  who  had  an  idea 
that  the  order  had  not  been  given  inconsiderately,  were 


The  Merchant  Service  343 

quite  delighted,  and  commenced  shaking  their  blankets  on 
the  forecastle  and  weather  gangway,  raising  a  cloud,  which 
the  wind  carried  aft  upon  the  parties  exercising  upon  the 
quarter-deck. 

"  What  the  devil  is  all  this  ? "  cried  Captain  Majoribanks, 
looking  forward  with  dismay.     "  Order — arms." 

Lieutenant  Winterbottom  and  half  of  his  party  were 
now  seized  with  a  fit  of  coughing.  "  Confound  it  ! — shut 
— pans — handle — upon  my  soul  I'm  choked." 

"  This  is  most  excessively  disagreeable,"  observed  Mr 
Petres  ;  "  I  made  up  my  mind  to  be  tarred  when  I  came  on 
board,  but  I  had  no  idea  that  we  should  be  feathered^ 

"  Support — d n    it,    there's    no    supporting    this  !  " 

cried  Captain  Majoribanks.  "  Where's  Major  Clavering  ? 
I'll  ask  to  dismiss  the  men." 

*'  They  are  dismissing  a  great  many  little  men,  forward,  I 
suspect,"  said  the  first  mate,  laughing.  *'  I  cannot  imagine 
what  induced  Captain  Oughton  to  give  the  order  :  we 
never  shake  bedding  except  when  the  ship's  before  the 
wind." 

This  last  very  consoling  remark  made  it  worse  than  all ; 
the  officers  were  in  an  agony.  There  was  not  one  of  them 
who  would  not  have  stood  the  chance  of  a  volley  from 
a  French  regiment  rather  than  what  they  considered  that 
they  were  exposed  to.  But  without  Major  Clavering's 
permission  they  could  not  dismiss  their  men.  Captain 
Majoribanks  hastened  to  the  cabin,  to  explain  their  very 
unpleasant  situation,  and  received  the  major's  permission  to 
defer  the  exercise. 

"Well,  gentlemen,"  said  Captain  Oughton,  **  what  is  the 
matter  }  " 

**  The  matter  !  "  replied  Ansell.  "  Why,  my  flesh  creeps 
all  over  me.  Of  all  the  thoughtless  acts,  Captain  Oughton, 
it  really  beats " 

**  Cock-fighting,"  interrupted  the  captain,  with  a  loud 
laugh.     "  Now  we  are  quits." 

The  officers  hastened  below  to  wash  and  change  their 
dress  after  this  very  annoying  retaliation  on  the  part  of 


344  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

Captain  Oughton.  When  they  felt  themselves  again  clean 
and  comfortable,  their  good  humour  returned,  although 
they  voted  their  captain  not  to  be  very  refined  in  his  ideas, 
and  agreed  with  him  that  his  practical  joke  beat  "  cock- 
fighting." 

I  believe  that  there  are  no  classes  of  people  who  embark 
with  more  regret,  or  quit  a  ship  with  more  pleasure,  than 
military  men.  Nor  is  it  to  be  wondered  at,  if  we  consider 
the  antithesis  which  is  presented  to  their  usual  mode  of 
life.  Few  military  men  are  studious,  or  inclined  to  read- 
ing, which  is  almost  the  only  resource  which  is  to  be  found 
against  the  tedium  of  long  confinement  and  daily  monotony. 
I  do  not  say  this  reproachfully,  as  I  consider  it  arises  from 
the  peculiarity  of  their  profession,  and  must  be  considered 
to  be  more  their  misfortune  than  their  fault.  They  enter 
upon  a  military  life  just  after  they  have  left  school, — the 
very  period  at  which,  from  previous  and  forced  application, 
they  have  been  surfeited  with  books  usque  ad  nauseam. 
The  parade,  dress  -,  the  attention  paid  to  them,  which 
demands  civilities  in  return  ;  society,  and  the  preference 
shown  by  the  fair  sex  ;  their  happy  and  well-conducted 
mess  ;  the  collecting  together  of  so  many  young  men,  with 
all  their  varied  plans  of  amusement,  into  which  the  others 
are  easily  persuaded  to  enter,  with  just  sufficient  duty  on 
guard,  or  otherwise,  not  to  make  the  duty  irksome  ;  all 
delight  too  much  at  first,  and  eventually,  from  habit,  too 
much  occupy  their  minds,  to  afford  time  for  study. 

In  making  this  observation,  I  must  be  considered  to 
speak  generally.  There  are  many  studious,  many  well- 
stored  minds,  many  men  of  brilliant  talents,  who  have 
improved  the  gift  of  nature  by  constant  study  and  reflec- 
tion, and  whose  conduct  must  be  considered  as  the  more 
meritorious,  from  having  resisted  or  overcome  the  strong 
temptation  to  do  otherwise  which  is  offered  by  their 
profession. 

"  I  wish,"  said  Irving,  who  was  stretched  out  his  full 
length  on  one  of  the  coops  abaft,  with  the  front  of  his  cap 
drawn  over  his  eyes — **  I  wish  this  cursed  voyage  was  at 


The  Merchant  Service  345 

an  end.  Every  day  the  same  thing  ;  no  variety — no  amuse- 
ment ; — curry  for  breakfast — brandy  pawnee  as  a  finish. 
I  really  begin  to  detest  the  sight  of  a  cigar  or  a  pack  of 
cards." 

"  Very  true,"  replied  Ansell,  who  was  stretched  upon 
an  adjacent  coop  in  all  the  listlessness  of  idleness 
personified — "  very  true,  Irving  ;  I  begin  to  think  it  worse 
than  being  quartered  in  a  country  town  inhabited  by 
nobodies,  where  one  has  nothing  to  do  but  to  loll  and 
spit  over  the  bridge  all  day,  till  the  bugle  sounds  for 
dinner." 

*'  Oh  !  that  was  infinitely  better  ;  at  least,  you  could 
walk  away  when  you  were  tired,  or  exchange  a  word 
or  two  with  a  girl  as  she  passed  over  it,  on  her  way  to 
market." 

"  Why  don't  you  take  a  book,  Irving  .?  "  observed  the 
major,  laying  down  the  one  with  which  he  had  been 
occupied,  to  join  the  conservation. 

**  A  book,  major  ?     Oh,  I've  read  until  I  am  tired." 

*'  What  have  you  read  since  you  embarked  ?  "  inquired 
his  senior. 

**  Let  me  see — Ansell,  what  have  I  read  ?  " 

**  Read ! — nothing  at  all — you  know  that." 

"  Well,  perhaps  so  ;  we  have  no  mess-newspapers  here  : 
the  fact  is,  major,  I  am  not  very  partial  to  reading — I  am 
not  in  the  habit  of  it.  When  on  shore  I  have  too  much 
to  do  ;  but  I  mean  to  read  by-and-bye." 

**  And  pray,  when  may  that  by-and-bye  be  supposed  to 
arrive  .? " 

"  Oh  !  some  day  when  I  am  wounded  or  taken  prisoner, 
and  cannot  do  anything  else  ;  then  I  shall  read  a  good  deal. 
Here's  Captain  Oughton — Captain  Oughton,  do  you  read 
much  ? '» 

**  Yes,  Mr  Irving,  I  read  a  great  deal." 

"Pray,  may  I  take  the  liberty  to  ask  you  what  you 
read?" 

**  What  I  read  !  Why,  I  read  Horsburgh's  Directory  : 
— and  I  read — I  read  all  the  fights." 


34^  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

"  I  think,"  observed  Ansell,  **  that  if  a  man  gets  through 
the  newspaper  and  the  novels  of  the  day,  he  does  a  great 
deah" 

"  He  reads  a  great  deal,  I  grant  you,"  replied  the  major  ; 
"  but  of  what  value  is  that  description  of  reading  ?  " 

"  There,  major,"  replied  Ansell,  "  v/e  are  at  issue.  I 
consider  a  knowledge  of  the  passing  events  of  the  day,  and 
a  recollection  of  the  facts  which  have  occurred  during  the 
last  twenty  years,  to  be  more  valuable  than  all  the 
ancient  records  in  existence.  Who  talks  of  Caesar  or 
Xenophon  nowadays,  except  some  Cambridge  or  Oxford 
prig  ?  and  of  what  value  is  that  knowledge  in  society  ? 
The  escape  of  a  modern  pickpocket  will  afford  more 
matter  of  conversation  than  the  famous  retreat  of  the  ten 
thousand." 

"  To  be  sure,"  replied  Captain  Oughton ;  *' and  a  fair 
stand-up  fight  between  Humphreys  and  Mendoza  create 

more  interest  than  the  famous  battles  of ,  I'm  sure  I 

forget." 

"  Of  Marathon  and  Thermopylae  •,  they  will  do,"  added 
Ansell. 

"  I  grant,"  replied  the  major,  "  that  it  is  not  only  un- 
necessary, but  conceited  in  those  who  would  show  their 
reading  ;  but  this  does  not  disprove  the  advantages  which 
are  obtained.  The  mind,  well  fed,  becomes  enlarged  :  and 
if  I  may  use  a  simile,  in  the  same  way  as  your  horse  proves 
his  good  condition  by  his  appearance,  without  people  ascer- 
taining the  precise  quantity  of  oats  which  has  been  given 
him ;  so  the  mind  shows,  by  its  general  vigour  and  power 
of  demonstration,  that  it  has  been  well  supplied  with  *  hard 
food.' " 

"  Very  hard  food  indeed,"  replied  Captain  Oughton ; 
"  nuts  that  I  never  could  crack  when  I  was  at  school,  and 
don't  mean  to  break  my  teeth  with  now.  I  agree  with 
Mr  Ansell,  *  that  sufficient  for  the  day  is  the  knowledge 
thereof.' " 

"  Well,  as  the  tree  of  knowledge  was  the  tree  of  evil, 
perhaps    that   is    the   correct    reading,"   replied    Ansell, 


The  Merchant  Service  347 

laughing  ;  '*  Captain  Oughton,  you  are  a  very  sensible  man  ; 
I  hope  we  shall  see  you  often  at  our  mess,  when  we're 
again  on  shore." 

"  You  may  say  so  now,"  replied  Captain  Oughton, 
bluntly,  "  and  so  have  many  more  said  the  same  thing  to 
me  ;  but  you  soldiers  have  cursed  short  memories  in  that 
way  after  you  have  landed." 

"I  trust.  Captain  Oughton,"  replied  Major  Clavering, 
"  that  you  will  not  have  to  make  that  accusation  general." 

"  Oh !  never  mind,  major ;  I  never  am  affronted ;  the 
offer  is  made  in  kindness,  and  at  the  time  sincere ;  but 
when  people  get  on  shore,  and  are  so  occupied  with  their 
own  amusements,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  if  they  are 
thoughtless  and  forget.  At  one  time,  it  did  annoy  me, 
I  confess ;  for  when  I  say  I  should  be  happy  to  see  a  man, 
I  mean  it ;  and  if  I  did  not  mean  it,  I  never  would  ask 
him.  I  thought  that  other  people  did  the  same ;  but  I 
have  lived  long  enough  to  discover  that  a  '  general  in- 
vitation '  means,  '  don't  come  at  all.' " 

"  Then  I  most  certainly  shall  not  say  one  word  on  the 
subject  at  present,"  rephed  the  major.  **How  many 
bells  was  that  ?  " 

"  Six ;  dinner  will  be  on  the  table  in  a  few  minutes." 

"  Then,  gentlemen,  we  had  better  go  down  and  prepare. 
Why,  Mr  Irving,  you  have  not  shaved  this  morning  ! " 

*'  No,  major,  I  mean  to  do  it  after  dinner." 

**  I  should  rather  think  that  you  intended  to  say  before" 
replied  Major  Clavering. 

This  gentlemanlike  hint  was  taken  by  the  young  ensign, 
who  was  aware  that  Major  Clavering,  although  invariably 
polite,  even  in  reproof,  was  not  a  commanding  officer  to 
be  trifled  with  ;  and  Mr  Irving  made  his  appearance  at 
the  dinner-table  with  his  **  chin  new  reaped,"  and  smooth 
as  if  appertaining  to  one  of  the  fairer  sex. 


348  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 


Chapter   XLVI 

"  Come  o'er  the  sea, 
Maiden,  with  me, 
Mine  through  sunshine,  storm  and  snows ; 
Seasons  may  roll, 
But  the  true  soul 
Burns  the  same  where'er  it  goes. 
Let  fate  frown  on,  so  we  love  and  part  not, 
Tis  life  where  thou  art,  'tis  death  where  thou'rt  not, " 

MooRE. 

The  voyage  was  at  last  accomplished  without  adventure 
or  interest,  the  Windsor  Castle  not  having  fallen  in  with 
more  than  two  or  three  vessels  during  her  passage. 
Happy  were  the  military  officers  to  hear  the  order  given 
for  the  anchor  to  be  let  go  upon  their  arrival  in  Madras 
Roads ;  more  happy  were  they  to  find  themselves  again 
on  shore ;  and  most  happy  were  Captain  Oughton  and  his 
officers  to  witness  the  debarkation  of  the  troops,  who  had 
so  long  crowded  their  decks  and  impeded  their  motions. 
Parting  Was  indeed  **  sweet  sorrow,"  as  it  always  will  be 
when  there  is  short  allowance  of  room,  and  still  shorter 
allowance  of  water. 

Newton  Forster  was  in  a  state  of  anxiety  during  the 
quarter  of  an  hour  in  which  he  was  obliged  to  attend  to 
his  duty,  furling  the  sails  and  squaring  the  yards ;  and 
the  time  appeared  most  insupportably  long,  until  he  could 
venture  aft  to  make  some  inquiries  from  the  dubashes, 
who  were  crowding  alongside,  as  to  the  fate  of  Isabel 
Revel.  Time  and  absence  had  but  matured  his  passion, 
and  it  was  seldom  that  Isabel  was  away  from  his  thoughts. 
He  had  a  faint  idea  formed  by  hope  that  she  was  partial 
to  him ;  but  this  was  alniost  smothered  by  the  fears  which 
opposed  it,  when  he  reflected  upon  what  might  be  pro- 
duced by  absence,  importunity,  and  her  independent  spirit, 
which  might,  if  not  well  treated  by  her  relation,  reconcile 
her  to  a  marriage,  which,  although  not  in  every  way 
eligible,  secured  to  her  a  prospect  of  contentment  and  of 
peace. 


The  Merchant  Service  349 

At  last  the  yards  were  squared  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
boatswain,  the  ropes  were  hauled  taut,  and  coiled  down, 
and  the  men  sent  below  to  their  dinners.  Newton 
walked  aft,  and  the  first  person  he  met  was  the  dubash 
who  had  attended  the  Bombay  Castle.  The  cheeks  of 
Newton  flushed,  and  his  heart  throbbed  quick,  and  his 
lips  quivered,  as  he  asked  intelligence  of  the  colonel  and 
his  family. 

"  Colonel  Saib  quite  well,  sir.  Two  ladies  marry 
officer." 

"  "Which  two  ? "  demanded  Newton,  eagerly. 

"  Not  know  how  call  Bibi  Saib*s  names.  But  one  not 
marry — she  very  handsome — more  handsome  than  all." 

The  heart  of  Newton  bounded  at  this  inteUigence,  as 
he  knew  that  it  must  be  Isabel  who  was  still  a  spinster. 
This  was  shortly  after  corroborated  by  an  English  gentle- 
man who  came  on  board.  Their  stay  at  Madras  was 
intended  to  be  short,  and  Newton  resolved  to  ask  im- 
mediate leave  on  shore.  Apologising  to  Captain  Oughton 
for  making  such  an  unusual  request,  which  he  was  induced 
to  do  from  intelligence  he  had  just  received  relative  to 
his  friends,  he  expressed  his  anxious  wish.  Captain 
Oughton,  who  had  reason  to  be  highly  satisfied  with 
Newton,  gave  his  consent  in  the  kindest  manner;  **and, 
Forster,  if  you  wish  to  remain,  you  have  my  permission. 
"We  will  manage  without  you :  only  recollect,  we  sail  on 
Thursday  night."  Newton  was  soon  ready,  and  quitted 
the  ship  with  Major  Clavering ;  to  whose  credit  it  ought 
here  to  be  observed,  that  a  daily  note  was  despatched  to 
Captain  Oughton,  requesting  the  pleasure  of  his  company 
at  the  mess,  until  he  was  satisfied  that,  in  this  instance, 
the  general  invitation  was  sincere. 

As  soon  as  he  was  clear  of  the  surf  and  out  of  the 
masulah  boat,  Newton  hired  a  conveyance,  and  drove  out 
to  the  bungalow  of  the  old  colonel.  He  trembled  as  he 
announced  his  name  to  the  butler,  who  ushered  him  half- 
way to  the  receiving-room  ;  and,  like  most  of  the  natives, 
finding  some  difficulty  in  pronouncing  English,  contented 


350  Newton  Forster;  or, 

himself  with  calling  out  "  hurrah  saib,"  and  then  walked 
off.  Newton  found  himself  in  the  presence  of  the  old 
veteran  and  Isabel.  The  latter  had  been  reading  a  new 
publication,  which  she  laid  down  at  the  voice  of  the  butler 
announcing  a  visitor.  But  "  hurrah  saib "  may  be  any- 
body ;  it  implies  a  gentleman.  What  then  was  the  surprise 
of  Isabel,  who  had  no  intimation  of  his  arrival,  when 
Newton  Forster  made  his  appearance  ?  Her  exclamation 
of  delight,  as  she  ran  to  him  and  extended  her  hand,  made 
Newton  Forster  but  too  happy  ;  and,  as  for  a  few  seconds 
he  held  the  hand  not  withdrawn,  and  looked  in  her 
beaming  eyes,  he  quite  forgot  the  presence  of  the  colonel. 
A  glance  from  the  eye  of  Isabel  in  the  direction  where  the 
old  gentleman  was  seated  brought  Newton  to  his  recollec- 
tion. He  walked  up  to  the  colonel,  who  shook  hands, 
and  declared  that  he  was  most  glad  to  see  him. 

"  You  take  up  your  quarters  here,  of  course,  Mr 
Forster  ? " 

"  I  shall  have  great  pleasure  in  availing  myself  of  your 
kind  offer  for  a  day  or  two,"  replied  Newton.  "  I  trust 
that  you  have  been  in  good  health  since  we  parted." 

"  Not  very  ;  that  is,  latterly.  I  am  thinking  of  a  change 
of  climate.  I  intend  to  go  home  in  October.  I  suppose 
you  have  been  informed  that  the  two  young  women  have 
married  ?  " 

"  I  was  told  so  by  some  one  who  came  on  board." 

**  Yes.  Isabel,  my  dear,  order  a  chamber  for  Mr 
Forster."  Isabel  left  the  room.  **  Yes,  both  married — 
thought  of  nothing  else — regularly  came  out  on  spec.  In 
less  than  a  month  they  knew  the  exact  rank  of  every 
gentleman  in  the  Presidency ;  ascertained  their  prospects, 
and  the  value  of  their  appointments  ;  turned  the  rupees 
into  pounds  sterling  ;  broke  off  a  conversation  with  an 
ensign  at  the  sight  of  a  lieutenant ;  cut  the  lieutenant  for 
a  captain ;  were  all  smiles  for  a  major  j  and  actually  made 
love  themselves  to  any  body  who  was  above  that  rank, 
and  a  bachelor.  They  made  their  decision  at  last ;  indeed 
pretty  quick.  They  were  only  four  months  on  my  hands. 
Both  up  the  country  now." 


The  Merchant  Service  351 

"  I  trust  they  have  married  well,  sir  ?  " 

"  That  depends  upon  circumstances.  They  have 
married  young  men  not  used  to  the  climate.  May  be 
widows  in  half  a  year.  If  their  husbands  weather  it,  of 
course,  they  will  come  in  for  their  share  of  the  good 
things  ;  but  I'll  warrant  they  will  never  be  able  to  leave 
the  country." 

"  Not  leave  the  country,  sir  !     May  I  ask  why  ?  " 

"  Because  they  have  married  foolish,  extravagant  wives, 
who  will  run  them  in  debt ;  and  when  once  in  debt,  it  is 
no  easy  matter  in  this  country  to  get  out  of  it.  They 
must  insure  their  lives  for  the  money  which  they  borrow ; 
and  as  the  house  of  agency  will  be  gainers  by  their  demise, 
of  course  they  will  not  be  permitted  to  leave  the  country 
and  their  chance  of  the  cholera  morbus.  Don't  you  think 
that  my  niece  looks  remarkably  well  ?  " 

"I  do ;  the  climate  does  not  appear  to  have  affected 
her." 

"  Rather  improved  her,"  replied  the  colonel  ;  "  she  is 
not  so  thin  as  when  she  came  on  shore.  God  bless  her  ! 
I'm  sure,  Mr  Forster,  I  am  under  great  obligations  to  you 
for  having  persuaded  me  to  go  for  the  dear  girl  when  she 
arrived.  She  has  been  a  treasure  to  me  !  If  she  has  had 
one,  she  has  had  twenty  offers  since  you  left ;  many 
unexceptionable  ;  but  she  has  refused  them  all.  In  some 
instances  I  have  persuaded  her — I  thought  it  was  my  duty. 
But  no ;  she  has  but  one  answer,  and  that  is  a  decided  one. 
She  will  not  leave  me.  She  has  watched  and  attended  me 
in  my  sickness  as  my  own  daughter.  I  say  again,  God 
bless  her  !  " 

It  was  with  delight  that  Newton  heard  these  encomiums 
upon  Isabel,  and  her  resolution  not  to  marry.  Whether  it 
was  wholly  on  account  of  not  wishing  to  leave  the  colonel 
or  not,  still  every  delay  gave  him  more  chance  of  ultimate 
success.  Isabel,  who  had  stayed  away  that  the  colonel 
might  have  time  to  make  any  communications  to  Newton, 
now  returned,  and  the  conversation  became  general. 
Newton  entered  into   a   narrative  of  what  had  occurred 


352  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

during  his  passage  home,  and  amused  them  with  his 
anecdotes  and  conversation. 

In  about  an  hour  the  colonel  rose  from  his  chair  that  he 
might  prepare  for  dinner ;  and  then  it  was  that  Newton 
perceived  the  great  change  which  had  taken  place.  He 
was  no  longer  upright,  but  bowed  down  ;  his  step  was  no 
longer  firm,  it  was  almost  tottering ;  and,  as  he  left  the 
room,  Newton's  eyes  met  those  of  Isabel. 

"  You  think  him  ill  ?  "  said  Isabel,  inquiringly. 

"  Yes,  I  do,  Miss  Revel.  He  is  very  much  changed  j 
his  stamina  appears  to  have  been  exhausted  by  the  climate. 
I  trust  he  will  go  home  as  he  proposes." 

*'  He  has  been  ill — very  ill  indeed.  He  talks  constantly 
of  home  ;  he  has  done  so  for  months  ;  but  when  the  time 
comes  he  puts  it  off.     I  wish  you  would  persuade  him." 

"I  will  do  all  I  can;  but  if  you  cannot  prevail,  Fm 
afraid  that  my  persuasion  will  be  of  little  use." 

"  Indeed,  I  think  otherwise  ;  you  have  power  over  him, 
Mr  Forster.  I  have  not  forgotten  how  kindly  you  exercised 
it  in  my  behalf.  We — that  is,"  continued  Isabel,  colouring 
up,  "  the  colonel  has  often  talked  of  you  since  you  quitted 
us." 

**  I  feel  highly  flattered  by  his  remembrance,"  replied 
Newton  ;  **  but  you  are  in  mourning,  Miss  Revel.  If  not 
a  liberty  from  one  who  feels  an  interest  in  all  concerning 
you,  may  I  inquire  for  whom  ? " 

"It  is  for  my  father,"  replied  Isabel,  with  emotion, 
sitting  down,  and  passing  her  hand  across  her  eyes. 

"I  never  heard  of  his  death,  and  must  apologise  for 
having  been  so  indiscreet  as  to  renew  your  sorrow.  How 
long  is  it  since  ?  and  what  was  his  complaint  ?  " 

"  He  had  no  complaint — would  to  God  that  he  had  had  ! 
He  was  shot  in  a  duel,"  replied  Isabel,  as  the  tears  coursed 
down  her  cheeks.  "Oh!  Mr  Forster,  I  trust  I  am 
resigned  to  the  dispensations  of  Providence,  but — that  he 
should  be  summoned  away  at  the  moment  when  he  was 
seeking  the  life  of  his  fellow-creature,  with  all  the  worst 
passions  in  excitement — unprepared — for  he  was  killed  on 


The  Merchant  Service  ^^^ 

the  spot.  These  reflections  will  make  his  death  a  source 
of  bitter  regret,  which  can  terminate  but  with  existence." 

"  Your  mother  is  still  alive  ? "  inquired  Newton,  to 
change  the  painful  subject. 

"Yes,  but  very  ill;  the  last  accounts  were, very  dis- 
tressing ;  they  say  that  her  complaint  is  incurable." 

Newton  regretted  having  brought  up  so'painful  a  subject. 
A  few  words  of  condolence  and  sympathy  were  offered, 
and  they  separated  to  prepare  for  dinner. 

Newton  remained  four  days  under  the  roof  of  the  colonel, 
during  which  time  he  was  constantly  in  the  society  of 
Isabel ;  and  when  the  period  of  his  departure  arrived,  he 
had  just  grounds  to  imagine  that,  were  all  obstacles  in 
other  points  removed,  Isabel  Revel,  would  not,  on  her 
part,  have  raised  any  against  the  accomplishment  of  his 
wishes  ;  but  their  mutual  dependent  situations  chased 
away  all  ideas  of  the  kind  for  the  present,  and  although 
they  parted  with  unconcealed  emotion,  not  a  word  which 
could  be  construed  into  a  declaration  of  attachment  was 
permitted  to  escape  his  lips. 

The  Windsor  Castle  sailed  for  Calcutta,  and  in  a  few 
days  anchored  at  Kedgeree  to  wait  for  a  pilot  to  come 
down  the  river.  During  their  short  stay  at  this  anchorage, 
Mr  Williams,  the  first  mate,  who  was  an  old  Indian  voyager, 
went  on  shore  every  evening  to  follow  up  his  darling 
amusement  of  shooting  jackals,  a  description  of  game  by 
no  means  scarce  in  that  quarter  of  the  world.  Often 
remonstrated  with  for  his  imprudence  in  exposing  himself 
to  the  heavy  night-dew,  he  would  listen  to  no  advice. 
*'  It  was  very  true,"  he  acknowledged,  "  that  his  brother 
had  died  of  a  jungle  fever  in  pursuing  the  same  amusement, 
and  what  was  more,  the  fowling-piece  in  his  hand  belonged 
to  his  brother,  who  had  bequeathed  it  to  him  j  but  as  he 
had  never  heard  of  two  brothers  dying  from  a  jungle  fever 
taken  by  shooting  jackals,  he  considered  that  the  odds 
were  strongly  in  his  favour."  This  argument,  however 
specious,  did  not  prove  good.  The  third  morning  he 
returned  on  board,  complaining  of  a  headache  and  shiver- 


354  Newton  Forster ;  or, 

ing.  He  was  bled  and  put  into  his  bed,  which  he  never 
left  again. 

Before  the  Windsor  Castle  was  ready  to  sail,  the  remains 
of  Mr  "Williams  were  consigned  to  the  burying-ground  at 
Diamond  Harbour,  and  Newton  Forster  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  first  mate  of  the  Windsor  Castle.  This,  as 
will  hereafter  be  proved,  was  a  most  fortunate  occurrence 
to  Newton  Forster.  The  Windsor  Castle  sailed  with  leave 
to  call  at  Madras  for  letters  or  passengers,  and  in  a  few 
days  was  again  at  anchor  in  the  roadstead.  The  first 
intelligence  which  they  received  upon  their  arrival  was, 
that  the  cholera  morbus  had  been  very  fatal,  and  that  among 
others,  the  old  colonel  had  fallen  a  victim  to  the  disease. 
Newton  again  obtained  permission  to  go  on  shore  to  Isabel. 
He  found  her  in  distress  at  the  house  of  a  Mrs  Enderby, 
a  lady  who  had  lost  her  husband  by  the  same  ravaging 
epidemic,  and  who  had  long  been  the  intimate  friend  of 
the  colonel  and  of  Isabel.  Mrs  Enderby  was  about  to 
return  to  England  by  the  first  vessel,  and  had  advised 
Isabel  to  take  so  favourable  an  opportunity  of  a  chaperon, 
Isabel,  who  had  many  reasons  for  wishing  to  leave  the 
country,  particularly  the  declining  state  of  her  mother's 
health,  had  consented ;  and  it  was  with  great  pleasure  that 
she  received  from  Newton  the  information  of  the  best 
cabins  of  the  Windsor  ^  Castle  not  having  been  hitherto 
engaged. 

The  colonel's  will  had  been  opened.  He  had  bequeathed 
his  property,  the  whole  of  which,  with  the  exception  of 
his  establishment  in  India,  was  invested  in  the  English 
funds,  to  his  grand-niece  Isabel  Revel.  It  amounted  to 
nearly  seventy  thousand  pounds.  It  would  be  difficult  to 
say  whether  Newton  Forster  felt  glad  or  sorry  at  this 
intelligence.  For  Isabel's  sake,  he  undoubtedly  was  glad ; 
but  he  could  not  but  feel  that  it  increased  the  distance 
between  them,  and  on  that  account,  and  on  that  alone,  his 
reflections  were  painful.  *'Had  it,"  thought  he,  "been 
five  thousand,  or  even  ten  thousand  pounds,  it  would  have 
been  different.     In  the  course  of  a  few  years  I  might  have 


The  Merchant  Service  ^S5 

been  able  to  produce  an  equivalent  to  it,  and — but  this 
fortune  has  raised  her  above  my  hopes ;  even  if  she  had  a 
prepossession  in  my  favour,  it  would  be  dishonest  to  take 
advantage  of  it." 

Isabel  Revel  had  very  different  feelings  on  the  subject — 
she  was  her  own  mistress,  and  her  manner  to  Newton  was 
more  cordial,  more  confidential  than  before.  She  had  not 
forgotten  that  Newton  had  shown  the  same  regard  and 
partiality  for  her  when  she  was  going  out  to  India,  and 
afterwards,  when  in  distress  ;  he  had  been  her  friend  and 
admirer  when  in  adversity.  She  knew  his  feelings  towards 
her,  and  she  had  appreciated  his  delicacy  and  forbearance. 
Lately  she  had  seriously  analysed  her  own,  and  her  analysis 
was  wound  up  by  a  mental  acknowledgment  that  her 
wealth  would  be  valueless,  if  she  could  not  share  it  with 
Newton  Forster. 

At  the  request  of  Mrs  Enderby,  the  poop  cabins  were 
engaged  for  Isabel  and  herself.  Their  time  for  prepara- 
tion was  short ;  but  one  day  more  having  been  obtained 
from  Captain  Oughton,  through  the  influence  of  Newton, 
Mrs  Enderby  and  Isabel  embarked,  and  the  Windsor  Castle 
spread  her  canvas,  sailing  .away  from  pestilence  and  death. 


Chapter  XLVII 

"  Britannia  needs  no  bulwark, 
No  towers  along  the  steep, 
Her  march  is  o'er  the  mountain  waves, 
Her  home  is  on  the  deep." 

Camfbeix. 

The  Windsor  Castle  ploughed  through  the  vast  ocean  of 
waters  before  a  propitious  gale,  laden  with  treasure,  in  the 
safe  arrival  of  which  so  many  were  interested.  But  what 
were  all  the  valuables  stowed  away  in  her  frame,  in  the 
opinion  of  Newton  Forster,  in  comparision  with  the  lovely 
being  who  had  entrusted  them  with  her  safe  conduct  to 


^^6  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

her  native  country  !  The  extreme  precautions  adopted  or 
suggested  by  Newton  for  security  during  the  night — his 
nervous  anxiety  during  the  day — became  a  source  of 
laughter  and  ridicule  to  Captain  Oughton ;  who  once 
observed  to  him, — "  Newton,  my  boy,  I  see  how  the  land 
lies,  but  depend  upon  it  the  old  ship  won't  tumble  over- 
board a  bit  sooner  than  before ;  so  one  reef  in  the  top-sails 
will  be  quiet  sufficient." 

Indeed,  although  they  '*  never  mentioned  it,"  it  was 
impossible  for  either  of  them  to  disguise  their  feelings. 
Their  very  attempts  at  concealment  only  rendered  them 
more  palpable  to  everyone  on  board.  Captain  Oughton, 
who  was  very  partial  to  Newton,  rejoiced  in  his  good 
fortune.  He  had  no  objection  to  young  people  falling  or 
being  in  love  on  board  of  his  ship,  although  he  would  not 
have  sanctioned  or  permitted  a  marriage  to  take  place 
during  the  period  that  a  young  lady  was  under  his  pro- 
tection. Once  landed  on  Deal  beach,  as  he  observed,  they 
might  "  buckle  to  "  as  soon  as  they  pleased. 

The  Windsor  Castle  was  within  two  hundred  miles  of 
the  Mauritius,  when  a  strange  vessel  was  discovered  on 
the  weather  beam,  bearing  down  to  them  with  all  the 
canvas  she  could  spread.  Her  appearance  was  warlike ; 
but  what  her  force  might  be,  it  was  impossible  to  ascertain 
at  the  distance  she  was  off,  and  the  position  which  she 
then  offered,  being  nearly  "  end  on," 

**  Can  you  make  out  her  hull,  Mr  Forster  ? "  cried 
Captain  Oughton,  hailing  Newton,  who  was  at  the  mast- 
head with  a  glass. 

"No,  sir ;  her  fore-yard  is  but  now  clear  of  the  water, 
but  she  rises  very  fast." 

**  What  do  you  think  of  her  spars,  Forster  ? "  said 
Captain  Oughton  to  Newton,  who  had  just  descended  to 
the  last  rattling  of  the  main-rigging. 

"  She  is  very  taut,  sir,  and  her  canvas  appears  to  be 
foreign." 

"I'll  bet  you  what  you  please  it's  that  d d  fellow 

Surcoeuf.  This  is  just  his  cruising  ground,  if  the  report 
of  that  neutral  vessel  was  correct." 


The  Merchant  Service  357 

"  Another  hour  will  decide  the  point,  sir,"  replied 
Newton  ;  **  but  I  must  say  I  think  your  surmise  likely  to 
prove  correct.  "We  may  as  well  be  ready  for  him ;  a 
cruiser  she  certainly  is." 

"  The  sooner  the  better,  Mr  Forster.  He's  but  a  *  rum 
customer,'  and  '  a  hard  hitter  *  by  all  accounts.  Clear  up 
the  decks,  and  beat  to  quarters." 

The  strange  vessel  came  down  with  such  rapidity  that, 
by  the  time  the  captain's  orders  were  obeyed,  she  was 
not  more  than  two  miles  distant. 

**  There's  *  instudding-sails  ; '  —  and  in  devilish  good 
style  too  !  "  observed  Captain  Oughton.  **  Now  we  shall 
see  what  he's  made  of." 

The  vessel  rounded  to  the  wind  as  soon  as  she  had 
reduced  her  sails,  on  the  same  tack  as  the  Windsor  Castle, 
displaying  her  broadside,  as  the  French  would  say,  herissee 
de  canons. 

**  A  corvette,  sir,"  said  Newton,  reconnoitring  through 
his  glass  ;  "  two-and-twenty  guns  besides  her  bridle  ports. 
She  is  French  rigged  ; — the  rake  of  her  stern  is  French  5 — 
in  fact,  she  is  French  all  over." 

"  All  Lombard  Street  to  a  China  orange,  'tis  Surcoeuf," 
replied  Captain  Oughton,  who,  with  the  rest  of  his  officers, 
had  his  glass  upon  the  vessel.  There  goes  the  tricoloured 
flag  to  prove  I've  won  my  bet.  Answer  the  challenge. 
Toss  my  hat  up. — Pshaw  I  I  mean  hoist  the  colours 
there  abaft.  Mr  Thomas,"  continued  Captain  Oughton, 
addressing  the  boatswain,  "  send  the  ship's  company  aft. — 
Forster,  you  had  better  see  the  ladies  down  below." 

At  the  summons  of  the  boatswain,  the  men  came  aft, 
and  stood  in  a  body  on  the  lee  side  of  the  quarter-deck, 
with  their  hats  off,  and  impatience  in  their  looks. 

"  Now,  my  lads,"  said  Captain  Oughton,  "  if  I  am  not 
mistaken,  that  vessel  is  commanded  by  the  very  best 
seaman  that  ever  left  a  French  port,  and  to  do  him  justice, 
he's  a  damnation  fine  fellow  ! — a  severe  punisher,  and  can 
take  a  mauling  as  well  as  give  one." 

**  Yes,  sir,  so  can  we,"  replied  several  of  the  men  together. 


2S^  Newton  Forster;  or, 

**I  know  you  can,  my  lads  ;  and  give  and  take  is  fair 
play.  All  I  say  is,  let  it  be  a  fair  stand  up  fight,  and 
*may  the  best  man  win.'  So  now,  my  lads,  if  you're 
ready  to  come  to  the  scratch,  why,  the  sooner  we  peel 
the  better — that's  all." 

"  Hurrah  !  "  cried  the  seamen,  as  they  separated  to  their 
quarters ;  and,  in  compliance  with  the  injunctions  of  the 
captain,  threw  off  their  jackets,  and  many  of  them  their 
shirts,  to  prepare  for  the  conflict. 

The  corvette,  after  she  had  rounded  to,  and  exchanged 
colours,  reduced  her  sails  to  precisely  the  same  canvas 
as  that  carried  by  the  Windsor  Castle,  This  was  to  try 
her  rate  of  sailing.  In  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  her  superi- 
ority was  manifest.  She  then  hauled  up  her  courses,  and 
dropped  to  her  former  position  on  the  Windsor  Castle's 
weather-beam. 

"  The  fellow  has  the  heels  of  us,  at  all  events,"  observed 
Captain  Oughton  ;  "  but,  Forster,  the  ladies  are  not  yet 
below.  Mrs  Enderby,  I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  put 
you  in  confinement  for  a  short  time.  Miss  Revel,  you 
must  do  me  the  favour  to  accept  of  Mr  Forster's  convoy 
below  the  water-line." 

Newton  offered  his  arm  to  Isabel,  and  followed  Captain 
Oughton,  who  escorted  Mrs  Enderby.  His  heart  was 
swelling  with  such  variety  of  feeling  that  he  could  not  at 
first  trust  himself  to  speak.  When  they  had  descended  the 
ladder,  and  were  picking  their  way,  stepping  over  the 
rammers,  sponges,  and  tackles,  stretched  across  the  main- 
deck,  Newton  observed — "  This  is  not  the  first  time  I  have 
been  commissioned  to  place  you  in  security.  I  trust  I  shall 
again  have  the  pleasure  of  relieving  you  from  your  bondage." 
Isabel's  lips  quivered  as  she  replied,  "I  trust  in  God 
that  you  may,  Mr  Forster  ! — but — I  feel  more  anxious  now 

than  I  did  on  the  former  occasion.     I " 

"  I  have  a  foreboding,"  interrupted  Newton,  "that  this 
day's  work  is  to  make  or  mar  me  !  Why,  I  cannot  tell, 
but  I  feel  more  confident  than  the  chances  would  warrant ; 
but   farewell,   Isabel — God   bless   you  !  " — and   Newton, 


The  Merchant  Service  359 

pressing  her  hand,  sprang  up  the  ladder  to  his  station  on 
the  quarter-deck. 

I  have  before  observed  that  a  man's  courage  much 
depends  upon  his  worldly  means  or  prospects.  A  man 
who  has  much  to  lose,  whatever  the  property  may  consist 
of,  will  be  less  inclined  to  fight  than  another  whose  whole 
capital  consists  of  a  **  light  heart  and  a  thin  pair  of 
breeches."  Upon  the  same  reasoning,  a  man  in  love  will 
not  be  inclined  to  fight  as  another.  Death  then  cuts  off 
the  sweetest  prospects  in  existence.  Lord  St  Vincent  used 
to  say  that  a  married  man  was  d — d  for  the  service.  Now 
(bating  the  honeymoon),  I  do  not  agree  with  his  lordship. 
A  man  in  love  may  be  inclined  to  play  the  Mark  Antony  ; 
but  a  married  man,  "  come  what  will,  he  has  been  blessed." 
Once  fairly  into  action,  it  then  is  of  little  consequence 
whether  a  man  is  a  bachelor,  or  married,  or  in  love  ;  the 
all-absorbing  occupation  of  killing  your  fellow-creatures 
makes  you  for  the  time  forget  whether  you  are  a  beggar 
or  a  prince. 

When  Newton  returned  on  deck,  he  found  that  the 
corvette  had  gradually  edged  down  until  nearly  within 
point-blank  range. 

"  Shall  we  lay  the  main-topsail  to  the  mast,  sir  ? " 
observed  Newton.     "  We  shall  see  his  manoeuvres." 

"  Why,  he  hardly  would  be  fool  enough  to  bear  down 
to  us,"  replied  Captain  Oughton ;  "  he  is  a  determined 
fellow,  I  know  j  but  I  believe  not  a  rash  one.  However, 
we  can  but  try.     Square  the  main-yard." 

As  soon  as  the  Windsor  Castle  was  hove-to,  the  courses 
of  the  enemy  were  seen  to  flutter  a  few  moments  in  the 
breeze,  and  then  the  canvas  was  expanded.  When  the 
vessel  had  gathered  sufficient  way,  she  hove  in  stays,  and 
crossed  the  Windsor  Castle  on  the  opposite  tack. 

"I  thought  so,"  observed  Captain  Oughton.  "The 
fellow  knows  what  he  is  about.  He'll  not  *  put  his  head 
in  chancery,'  that's  clear.  How  cautious  the  rascal  is ! 
It's  very  like  the  first  round  of  a  fight — much  manoeuvring 
and  wary  sparring  before  they  begin  to  make  play." 


360  Newton  Forster;  or, 

The  corvette  stood  on  the  opposite  tack  until  well  abaft 
the  beam.  She  then  wore  round,  and  ranged  up  on  the 
weather  quarter  of  the  Indiaman.  When  within  two 
cables'  length  of  the  Windsor  Castky  who  had,  a  little  before, 
filled  her  main-topsail  to  be  in  command,  the  Frenchman 
hauled  up  his  foresail,  and  discovered  his  lower  rigging 
manned  by  the  ship's  company,  who  gave  a  loud  but  hasty 
cheer,  and  then  disappeared. 

One  cock  crowing  is  a  challenge,  sure  to  be  answered,  if 
the  antagonist  is  game.  The  English  seamen  sprang  up 
to  return  the  compliment,  when  Captain  Oughton  roared 
out,  **  To  your  guns,  you  fools !  Hard  down  with  the 
helm — fly  the  jib-sheet — check  headbraces — look  out  now, 
my  lads." 

The  corvette  had  already  put  her  helm  up  and  paid  off 
to  pass  under  the  stern  of  the  Windsor  Castle,  with  the 
intention  of  raking  her.  The  promptitude  of  Captain 
Oughton  foiled  the  manoeuvre  of  the  Frenchman ;  which 
would  have  been  more  fatal  had  the  English  seamen  been 
in  the  rigging  to  have  been  swept  off  by  his  grape-shot. 
As  the  Windsor  Castle  was  thrown  up  on  the  wind,  an 
exchange  of  broadsides  took  place,  which,  according  to  the 
usual  custom  of  all  well  regulated  broadsides  in  close  con- 
flict, cut  away  a  certain  proportion  of  the  spars  and  rigging, 
and  cut  up  a  proportion  of  the  ships'  companies.  The 
Windsor  Castle,  worked  by  Newton,  bracing  round  on  the 
other  tack,  and  the  corvette  rounding  to  on  the  same,  the 
two  vessels  separated  for  a  few  minutes. 

**  Devilish  well  stopped,  Newton,  wasn't  it  ? "  said 
Captain  Oughton,  showing  his  white  teeth.  "Look  out 
again — here  she  comes," 

The  corvette  again  attempted  to  rake  as  she  ranged 
up  after  tacking,  by  throwing  herself  up  in  the  wind  ; 
but  Captain  Oughton,  watching  the  slightest  variation 
of  his  adversary's  career,  gradually  edging  away,  and 
then  putting  his  helm  up,  manoeuvred  that  the  broadsides 
should  again  be  exchanged.  This  second  exchange  was 
more  effectual  than  the  first. 


The  Merchant  Service  361 

"  A  stomacher,  and  both  down ! "  cried  Captain 
Oughton,  as  he  surveyed  the  deck.  "  Be  quick,  Newton, 
hand  the  men  below.  Don't  bring  her  to  the  wind  yet, 
he  has  lost  his  way  by  luffing  up,  and  cannot  make  play 
again  for  a  few  minutes." 

After  the  second  broadside  the  vessels  were  much 
further  apart,  from  the  Windsor  Castle  running  off  the 
wind,  while  the  corvette  was  too  much  crippled  to  work 
with  her  usual  rapidity.  This  was  convenient  to  both 
parties,  as  the  last  broadside  had  been  very  mischievous. 
The  Frenchman,  low  in  the  water,  had  suffered  less  in 
her  hull  and  ship's  company,  but  more  in  her  spars  and 
rigging.  The  foremast  was  nearly  cut  in  half  by  the 
carronade  shot  of  her  antagonist ;  her  main-yard  was 
badly  wounded,  and  her  wheel  knocked  to  atoms,  which 
obliged  them  to  steer  on  the  lower  deck.  The  Windsor 
Castle  had  received  five  shots  in  her  hull,  three  men 
killed,  and  six  wounded ;  three  of  her  main  shrouds  cut 
in  two,  and  her  mizen-mast  badly  wounded. 

It  was  a  quarter  of  an  hour  before  the  Frenchman 
returned  to  the  attack.  Captain  Oughton  had  again 
hauled  his  wind,  as  if  not  wishing  to  decline  the  combat ; 
which,  indeed,  the  superior  sailing  of  his  antagonist  pre- 
vented. The  corvette  appeared  to  have  given  up 
manoeuvring ;  whether  from  the  crippled  state  of  her 
spars  and  sails,  or  from  perceiving  that  he  had  hitherto 
gained  nothing  by  his  attempts.  He  now  ranged  up  to 
within  two  cables'  lengths  of  the  Windsor  Castle^  and 
recommenced  the  action,  broadside  to  broadside. 

The  breeze  was  lulled  by  the  concussion  of  the  air  ; 
and  both  vessels  continued  in  the  same  position,  and  at 
the  same  distance  for  upwards  of  an  hour,  pouring  in  their 
broadsides,  every  shot  of  which  was  effectual. 

**  Now,  this  is  what  I  call  a  reg'lar  set-to.  Fire  away, 
my  lads,"  cried  Captain  Oughton,  rubbing  his  hands. 
**  A  proper  rally  this.     D — n  it,  but  he's  game  !  " 

The  wounded  mizen-mast  of  the  Windsor  Castle  received 
another  shot  in  the  heart  of  it,  which  threw  it  over  the 


362  Newton  Forster;  or, 

side.  Every  part  of  her  hull  proved  the  severe  and  well- 
directed  fire  of  the  enemy  ;  her  sails  were  as  ragged  as 
Jeremy  Didler's  pocket-handkerchief;  her  remaining 
masts  pitted  with  shot ;  the  bulwarks  torn  away  in 
several  places ;  the  boats  on  the  booms  in  shivers ;  rigging 
cut  away  fore  and  aft,  and  the  ends  swinging  to  and 
fro  with  the  motion  of  the  vessel ;  her  decks  in  con- 
fusion ;  and  some  of  her  guns,  from  necessity,  deserted. 
Captain  Oughton,  Newton,  and  the  rest  of  the  officers 
continued  to  encourage  the  men,  giving  them  assistance 
in  working  the  guns ;  and  the  ship's  company  appeared 
to  have  fully  imbibed  the  bull-dog  spirit  of  their  com- 
mander. 

The  fire  of  the  Windsor  Castle  had  been  equally  de- 
structive. The  vessels  had  gradually  neared  each  other 
in  the  calm  ;  and  the  height  of  the  Windsor  Castle  out  of 
the  water,  in  comparison  with  the  corvette,  had  given  her 
the  advantage  in  sweeping  the  decks  of  the  enemy.  The 
contending  vessels  were  in  this  situation,  when,  for  a 
minute  or  two,  a  cessation  of  firing  took  place,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  accumulation  of  smoke,  which  had  so 
completely  enshrouded  them  both  that  they  knew  not 
where  to  direct  their  guns ;  and  they  waited  until  it 
should  clear  away,  that  the  firing  might  recommence. 
A  light  air  gradually  swept  the  veil  to  leeward,  and  dis- 
covered both  vessels  to  each  other,  at  the  distance  of 
half  a  cable's  length.  Captain  Oughton  was  with  Newton 
on  the  poop,  and  the  commander  of  the  French  corvette 
was  standing  on  the  hammock  nettings  of  his  own  vessel. 
The  latter  took  off  his  hat,  and  courteously  saluted  his 
adversary.  Captain  Oughton  answered  the  salutation  5 
and  then  waving  his  hat,  pointed  to  the  English  colours, 
which  had  been  hoisted  at  the  main  ;  as  much  as  to  say, 
**  They  never  shall  come  down  ! "  The  Frenchman  (it 
was  Surcoeuf)  did  the  same  to  the  tricolour,  and  the 
action  recommenced. 

"  Well    done,    my    lads  ! "    cried    Captain    Oughton  ; 
**  well    done !     that    broadside   was    a    staggerer — right 


The  Merchant  Service  ^6^ 

into  his  ribs.  Hurrah  now,  my  hearts  of  oak  !  this  fellow's 
worth  fighting.  Aim  at  his  foremast — another  broadside 
will  floor  it.  It's  on  the  reel.  Newton,  jump  forward, 
and " 

But  the  order  was  stopped  by  a  grape-shot,  which  struck 
Captain  Oughton  on  the  breast.  He  staggered  and  fell  off 
from  the  poop  to  the  quarter-deck.  Newton  leapt  down, 
and  went  to  him.  The  torrents  of  blood  from  his  breast 
at  once  told  the  tale :  and  Newton  called  to  some  of  the 
men,  that  his  commander  might  be  taken  below. 

"Wait  a  moment,  my  dear  lad,"  said  Captain  Oughton 
faintly,  and  catching  his  breath  at  every  word  ;  *'  it's  a 
finisher — can't  come  to  time — I  die  game."  His  head  fell 
on  his  breast,  and  the  blood  poured  out  of  his  mouth. 

Newton  directed  the  body  to  be  taken  into  the  cuddy, 
that  the  men  might  not  be  dispirited  by  the  sight.  He 
then  hastened  to  the  poop,  that  he  might  reconnoitre  the 
enemy.  He  perceived  that  the  corvette  had  hauled  on 
board  his  tattered  courses,  and  was  standing  ahead  of 
them. 

"  He's  off,  sir,"  cried  one  of  the  quarter-masters. 

**  I  suspect  not,"  replied  Newton,  who  had  his  glass  to 
his  eye,  looking  upon  the  decks  of  the  French  vessel. 
"  They  are  preparing  to  board,  and  will  be  round  again 
in  five  minutes.  Cutlasses  and  pikes  ready — forward,  my 
lads,  all  of  us  !     We  must  beat  them  off !  " 

"  And  will,  too,"  cried  the  seamen,  as  in  obedience  to 
their  orders,  they  collected  on  the  forecastle.  But  they 
mustered  thin  ;  nearly  half  of  the  ship's  company  were 
either  lying  dead  or  under  the  hands  of  the  surgeon ;  and, 
as  Newton  surveyed  his  little  force,  fatigued  as  they  were 
with  their  exertions,  black  with  powder,  stained  with 
blood,  and  reeking  with  perspiration,  he  could  not  but 
acknowledge  how  heavy  were  the  odds  against  the  attack 
of  a  vessel  so  well  manned  as  the  corvette  appeared  to  be. 
Newton  said  but  a  few  words  j  but  they  were  to  the 
point ;  and  he  had  the  satisfaction  to  perceive,  as  they 
grasped  their  cutlasses,  that  if  their  numbers  were  few  and 


364  Newton  Forster;  or, 

their  frames  exhausted,  their  spirit  was  as  unsubdued  as 
ever. 

The  corvette  had  in  the  meantime  run  ahead  on  a  wind, 
about  a  mile,  when  she  wore  round,  and  was  now  standing 
right  on  to  the  Windsor  Castle,  and  had  neared  to  within 
three  cables'  lengths.  A  few  minutes  were  to  decide  the 
point.  Her  courses  were  again  hauled  up,  and  discovered 
her  lee  fore-rigging,  bowsprit,  cat-heads,  and  forecastle, 
crowded  with  men  ready  for  the  dash  on  board,  as  soon  as 
the  vessels  should  come  in  contact.  Newton  stood  on  one 
of  the  forecastle  guns,  surrounded  by  his  men ;  not  a  word 
was  spoken  on  board  of  the  Windsor  Castle,  as  they  watched 
their  advancing  enemy.  They  were  within  a  cable's  length 
of  each  other,  and  Newton  could  plainly  distinguish  the 
features  of  the  gallant  Surcoeuf,  who  was  in  advance  on  the 
knight-heads,  when  a  puff  of  wind,  which  at  any  other 
time  would  not  have  occasioned  the  starting  of  a  royal 
sheet,  took  the  sails  of  the  corvette;  and  her  wounded 
foremast,  laden  with  men  in  the  lee-rigging,  unable  to  bear 
the  pressure,  fell  over  the  side,  carrying  with  it  the  main- 
top-mast and  most  of  the  crew  who  had  been  standing  in 
the  rigging,  and  leaving  the  corvette  an  encumbered 
wreck.  A  loud  shout  from  the  forecastle  of  the  Windsor 
Castle  announced  that  the  English  seamen  were  but  too 
well  aware  of  their  desperate  situation,  and  that  they 
hailed  the  misfortune  of  the  Frenchmen  as  their  deliver- 
ance. 

**  Now,  my  lads,  be  smart,"  cried  Newton,  as  he  sprang 
aft  to  the  wheel,  and  put  up  the  helm ;  "  man  the  flying 
jib-halyards  (the  jib  was  under  the  forefoot) ;  let  go  the 
maintop  bowling ;  square  the  main-yard.  That  will  do  ; 
she's  paying  off.  Man  your  guns  ;  half-a-dozen  broad- 
sides, and  it's  all  our  own." 

The  sun  had  disappeared  below  the  horizon,  and  the 
shades  of  evening  had  set  in,  before  this  manoeuvre  had 
been  accomplished.  Several  broadsides  were  poured  into 
the  corvette,  which  had  the  desired  effect  of  crippling  her 
still  more,  and  her  encumbered  condition  prevented  any 


The  Merchant  Service  ^6^ 

return.  At  last  the  night  hid  both  vessels  from  each 
other  ;  and  the  breeze  freshening  fast,  it  was  necessary 
that  the  remaining  masts  of  the  Windsor  Castle  should  be 
properly  secured.  The  guns  were  therefore  abandoned ; 
and  during  the  time  the  seamen  were  employed  in  knotting 
the  rigging  and  bending  the  spare  sails,  Newton  consulted 
with  his  brother  officers,  who  were  unanimous  in  agreeing 
that  all  had  been  done  that  could  be  expected,  and  that  to 
wait  till  the  ensuing  day,  when  the  corvette  would  have 
repaired  her  damages,  would  be  attended  with  a  risk  of 
capture,  which  the  valuable  property  entrusted  to  their 
charge  would  never  authorise.  It  was  not  until  past  mid- 
night that  the  Windsor  Castle  was  in  a  condition  to  make 
sail ;  but  long  before  this,  Newton  had  contrived  to  leave 
the  deck  for  a  few  minutes  to  communicate  with  Isabel. 
With  most  of  the  particulars,  and  with  the  death  of  Captain 
Oughton,  she  had  already  been  made  acquainted ;  and  if 
there  could  be  any  reward  to  Newton  for  his  gallantry  and 
his  prudence,  more  coveted  than  another,  it  was  the  affec- 
tionate greeting  with  which  he  was  welcomed  and  con- 
gratulated by  Isabel,  her  eyes  beaming  with  tears  of 
delight  as  they  glanced  from  his  face,  and  were  shrouded 
on  the  deck. 

Love  and  murder  make  a  pretty  mixture,  although  as 
antithetical  as  the  sweet  and  acid  in  punch, — a  composition 
which  meets  the  approbation  of  all  sensible,  discriminating 
people.  But  I  shall  leave  the  reader  to  imagine  all  he 
pleases,  and  finish  the  chapter  by  informing  him  that, 
when  the  sun  again  made  his  appearance,  the  corvette 
was  not  to  be  discovered  from  the  mast-head.  The  guns 
were  therefore  properly  secured ;  the  decks  washed ;  a 
jury  mizen-mast  stuck  up  abaft ;  Captain  Oughton,  and 
the  gallant  fellows  who  had  fallen  in  the  combat,  com- 
mitted to  the  deep  with  the  usual  ceremonies  ;  the  wounded 
made  as  comfortable  as  possible  in  their  hammocks ;  the 
carpenters  busied  with  the  necessary  repairs ;  and  the 
Windsor  Castle,  commanded  by  Newton  Forster,  running 
before  a  spanking  breeze,  at  the  rate  of  eight  knots  per 
hour. 


^66  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Chapter  XL VIII 

"  Ships  are  but  boards,  sailors  but  men ; 
There  be  land  rats,  and  water  rats,  water  thieves, 
And  land  thieves ;  I  mean  pirates." 

Shakespeare; 

Most  prophetical  was  the  remark  made  by  Newton  Forster 
to  Isabel,  previous  to  the  action :  to  wit,  that  it  would 
make  or  mar  him.  The  death  of  Captain  Oughton,  and 
the  spirited  defence  of  the  Windsor  Castle,  were  the  making 
of  Newton  Forster.  As  a  subordinate  officer,  he  might 
have  been  obliged  to  toil  many  years  before  he  could  have 
ascended  to  the  summit  of  the  ladder  of  promotion ;  and 
during  the  time  which  he  remained  in  that  situation,  what 
chance  had  he  of  making  an  independence,  and  proposing 
for  the  hand  of  Isabel  Revel  ?  But  now  that,  by  a  chain 
of  circumstances  peculiarly  fortuitous,  he  was  in  command 
of  an  East  Indiaman,  returning  home  after  having  beat  off 
a  vessel  of  equal  if  not  superior  force,  and  preserved 
a  cargo  of  immense  value,  he  felt  confident  that  he  not 
only  would  be  confirmed  to  the  rank  which  he  was  now 
called  upon  to  assume,  but  that  he  had  every  prospect 
of  being  employed.  As  a  captain  of  an  Indiaman,  he  was 
aware  that  reception  into  society,  wealth,  and  consideration 
awaited  himj  and  what  made  his  heart  to  swell  with 
gratitude  and  exultation,  was  the  feeling  that  soon  he 
would  be  enabled  to  aspire  to  the  hand  of  one  to  whom 
he  had  so  long  been  ardently  attached. 

As  the  Windsor  Castle  plunged  through  the  roaring  and 
complaining  seas,  with  all  the  impetus  of  weight  in  motion, 
Newton's  eyes  were  radiant  with  hope,  although  his  de- 
meanour towards  Isabel  was,  from  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances attending  their  situation,  more  delicately  reserved 
than  before. 

When  the  Windsor  Castle  touched  at  St  Helena,  Newton 
had  the  good  fortune  to  obtain  a  supply  of  able  seamen, 
more  than  sufficient  for  the  re-manning  of  his  ship.     They 


The  Merchant  Service  ^^y 

had  been  sent  there  in  an  empty  brig  by  a  French  privateer, 
who  had  captured  many  vessels,  and  had  been  embarrassed 
with  the  number  of  her  prisoners.  Having  obtained  the 
stores  which  were  required,  Newton  lost  no  time  in 
prosecuting  his  voyage  to  England. 

It  was  about  a  fortnight  after  they  had  quitted  St  Helena 
that  a  strange  sail  was  reported  on  the  starboard  bow ; 
and  as  they  neared  her,  it  was  evident  that  her  foremast 
was  gone,  and  that  she  was  otherwise  in  a  disabled 
state.  When  the  Indiaman  was  within  a  mile,  the  stranger 
threw  out  neutral  colours,  and  hoisted  a  whifF,  half-mast 
down,  as  a  signal  that  she  was  in  distress.  Newton  ordered 
the  ship  to  be  kept  away,  and  when  alongside  of  the 
vessel,  lowered  down  a  boat,  and  sent  the  third  mate  to 
ascertain  what  assistance  could  be  afforded.  With  sailors, 
thank  God  !  distress  is  sufficient  to  obtain  assistance,  and 
the  nation  or  country  are  at  once  merged  in  that  feeling  of 
sympathy  for  those  misfortunes  which  may  perhaps  but 
the  next  hour  befall  ourselves.  The  boat  returned  ;  and 
the  officer  informed  Newton  that  the  vessel  was  from  the 
Island  of  Bourbon,  bound  to  Hamburg ;  that  she  had  been 
dismasted  and  severely  injured  in  a  gale  off  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope ;  and  that  when  her  mast  went  over  the  side, 
one-half  of  her  crew,  who  were  up  at  the  time  on  the 
fore-yard,  had  been  cast  overboard  and  drowned ;  that 
from  the  want  of  men  and  material,  they  had  been  unable 
to  rig  an  effective  jury-mast,  and  had  in  consequence  been 
so  long  on  their  passage  that  their  provisions  and  water 
were  nearly  expended.  The  officer  concluded  by  stating 
that  there  were  a  French  lady  and  two  gentlemen,  with 
their  attendants,  who  had  taken  their  passage  home  in  the 
vessel.  Newton  immediately  went  down  the  side,  and 
pulled  on  board  of  the  vessel  to  ascertain  what  assistance 
could  be  afforded.  When  he  arrived  on  board,  he  was 
met  by  the  Flemish  captain,  who  commenced  a  statement 
of  his  misfortunes  and  his  difficulties,  when  the  French 
lady,  who,  unobserved  by  Newton,  had  come  up  the 
companion-ladder,  screamed  out  as  she  ran  into  his  arms — 


368  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Ah  !  mon  Dieu  I — c'est  Monsieur  Nu-tong  !  " 

Newton  looked  at  the  lady,  who  had  burst  into  tears,  as 
her  face  lay  upon  his  shoulder,  and  immediately  recognised 
his  former  kind  and  affectionate  friend,  Madame  de 
Fontanges  :  close  to  him,  with  his  hand  extended,  was 
her  generous  husband.  The  meeting  was  joyful,  and 
Newton  was  delighted  that  circumstances  had  enabled  him 
to  render  assistance  to  those  who  had  been  so  kind  to  him 
in  his  former  distress. 

"  Oh  !  Monsieur  Nu-tong,  nous  avons  tant  soufferts ! 
Ah  !  mon  Dieu  ! — point  de  l*eau — rien  a  manger,"  cried 
Madame  de  Fontanges :  then  smiling  through  her  tears, 
**  mais  ce  rencontre  est  charmant ; — n'est  ce  pas,  mon 
ami  ? "  continued  the  lady,  appealing  to  her  husband. 

**  You  do  not  remember  Monsieur  le  Marquis  ?  "  said 
M.  de  Fontanges  to  Newton.  Newton  turned  his  head, 
and  recognised  the  governor  of  Guadaloupe,  who  had 
expressed  such  sympathy  at  his  shipwreck,  and  had  sent 
him  away  in  the  cartel  instead  of  detaining  him  as  a 
prisoner. 

The  vessel  was  indeed  in  a  deplorable  condition ;  and 
had  she  not  received  the  timely  assistance  now  afforded, 
would  in  all  probability  have  soon  been  a  scene  of  horror 
and  of  suffering.  They  had  not  more  than  three  days' 
water  remaining  on  board,  and  provisions  barely  sufficing 
for  ten  days.  Newton  hastened  to  send  back  the  boat 
with  orders  for  an  immediate  and  ample  supply  of  these 
necessaries,  in  case  of  bad  weather  coming  on  and  prevent- 
ing further  communication.  Satisfied  that  their  immediate 
wants  were  relieved,  Newton  took  leave  of  his  friends  for 
the  present,  and  returned  on  board  his  own  ship,  despatch- 
ing his  carpenters  and  part  of  his  crew  to  the  immediate 
refit  of  the  vessel ;  and  then  selecting  a  part  of  everything 
that  the  Windsor  Castle  contained  in  her  store-rooms  or  on 
her  decks,  which  he  thought  would  administer  to  the 
comfort  or  the  luxury  of  the  passengers  on  board  of  the 
neutral. 

In  two  hours  they  who  were  in  a  state  bordering  upon 


The  Merchant  Service  369 

famine  found  themselves  revelling  in  plenty.  Before  night 
the  English  seamen  had  a  jury-mast  up,  and  the  sails  set. 
The  Hollanders  on  board  would  have  given  their  assistance, 
but  they  were  told  to  remain  on  deck  and  make  up  for  lost 
time,  which  they  acquiesced  in  very  readily,  eating  and 
drinking  as  if  they  were  determined  to  lay  in  a  stock  for 
the  remainder  of  the  voyage.  Newton,  who  had  returned 
on  board  of  the  neutral  to  superintend  the  repairs  and 
enjoy  the  society  of  his  old  friends,  received  from  them  a 
long  account  of  what  had  occurred  since  their  separation. 
At  nightfall  he  took  his  leave,  promising  to  continue  under 
easy  sail  and  remain  with  them  for  a  day  or  two,  until 
they  were  satisfied  that  all  was  right,  and  that  they  no 
longer  required  his  assistance. 

The  narrative  obtained  by  Newton  may  be  thus  con- 
densed for  the  information  of  the  reader.  The  Marquis 
de  Fontanges  had  been  appointed  from  the  government  of 
Guadaloupe  to  that  of  the  Island  of  Bourbon,  which  was 
considered  of  more  importance.  Monsieur  and  Madame 
de  Fontanges  accompanied  him  to  his  new  command  ;  and 
they  had  remained  there  for  two  years,  when  the  ruling 
powers,  without  any  ground,  except  that  the  marquis  had 
received  his  appointment  from  the  former  government, 
thought  proper  to  supersede  him.  Frigates  were  not  so 
plentiful  as  to  spare  one  for  the  return  of  an  ex-governor ; 
and  the  marquis,  being  permitted  to  find  his  way  home 
how  he  could,  had  taken  advantage  of  the  sailing  of  the 
Hamburger,  to  return  to  Europe  or  to  France,  or  as  he 
might  find  it  advisable. 

For  two  days,  during  which  the  weather  was  so  fine 
that  Madame  de  Fontanges  and  the  gentlemen  went  on 
board  of  the  Windsor  Castle,  and  were  introduced  to  the 
ladies,  Newton  continued  under  easy  sail,  each  day  de- 
spatching to  the  neutral  everything  which  his  gratitude 
could  suggest ;  but  as  Newton  was  most  anxious  to  pro- 
ceed on  his  voyage,  it  was  agreed  that  the  next  morning 
they  should  part  company.  At  the  close  of  the  evening 
a  strange  sail  was  observed  on  the  weather-beam  ;  but,  as 
F  2  A 


370  Newton  Forster;  or, 

she  carried  no  fore  top-gallant  sail,  and  appeared  to  be 
steering  the  same  course  as  the  Windsor  Castle,  she  excited 
but  a  momentary  observation,  supposing  that  she  was 
some  homeward-bound  neutral,  or  a  merchant  vessel  which 
had  separated  from  her  convoy.  During  the  night,  which 
was  dark,  the  moon  being  in  her  first  quarter,  the  officer 
of  the  middle  watch  lost  sight  of  their  protegee ;  but  this 
was  to  be  expected,  as  she  did  not  carry  a  light.  Before 
morning  the  wind  fell,  and  when  the  sun  rose  it  was 
a  perfect  calm.  The  officer  of  the  watch,  as  the  day 
dawned,  went  on  the  poop,  surveying  the  horizon  for  their 
companion,  and  discovered  her  six  or  seven  miles  astern, 
lying  alongside  of  the  strange  vessel  which  they  had  seen 
the  day  before.  Both  vessels,  as  well  as  the  Windsor  Castle, 
were  becalmed.  He  immediately  went  down  to  Newton, 
acquainting  him  with  the  circumstance,  which  bore  a  very 
suspicious  appearance.  Newton  hastened  on  deck ;  with 
his  glass  he  could  plainly  distinguish  that  the  stranger  was 
a  vessel  of  a  low,  raking  description,  evidently  no  merchant- 
man, but  built  for  sailing  fast,  and  in  all  probability  a 
privateer.  The  man  at  the  mast-head  reported  that  boats 
were  constantly  passing  between  the  two  vessels.  Newton, 
who  felt  very  anxious  for  the  safety  of  his  friends,  accepted 
the  offer  of  the  second  mate  to  take  the  gig,  and  ascertain 
what  was  going  on.  In  little  more  than  an  hour  the  gig 
was  seen  from  the  mast-head  to  arrive  within  half  a  mile 
of  the  vessels,  and  shortly  afterwards  the  smoke  from 
a  gun,  followed  by  a  distant  report.  The  gig  then  winded 
and  pulled  back  towards  the  Windsor  Castle,  It  was  in 
a  state  of  great  excitement  that  Newton  waited  for  her 
return,  when  the  second  mate  informed  him  that  on  his 
approach  he  discovered  that  she  was  a  flush  vessel,  pierced 
for  fourteen  guns,  painted  black,  and  apparently  well 
manned  ;  that  she  evidently,  to  use  a  nautical  term,  was 
"gutting  "  the  neutral ;  and  that,  as  they  had  witnessed, 
on  their  boat  coming  within  range,  the  vessel  had  fired 
a  round  of  grape,  which  fortunately  fell  short  of  them. 
She  had  shown  no  colours  j  and  from  her  appearance  and 


The  Merchant  Service  371 

behaviour  (as  all  privateers  respect  neutrals),  he  had  no 
doubt  that  she  was  the  pirate  vessel  stated,  when  they 
were  at  St  Helena,  to  be  cruising  in  these  latitudes. 
Newton  was  of  the  same  opinion  j  and  it  was  with  a  heavy 
heart  that  he  returned  to  the  cabin,  to  communicate  the 
unpleasant  intelligence  to  Mrs  Enderby  and  Isabel. 

There  is  nothing  more  annoying  in  this  world  than  the 
will  without  the  power.  At  any  time,  a  vessel  becalmed 
is  considered  a  very  sufficing  reason  for  swearing  by  those 
who  are  on  board  of  her.  What  then  must  have  been  the 
feelings  of  Newton,  lying  on  the  water  in  a  state  of  com- 
pelled inaction,  while  his  friends  were  being  plundered, 
and  perhaps  murdered  by  a  gang  of  miscreants  before  his 
eyes  I  How  eagerly  and  repeatedly  did  he  scan  the 
horizon  for  the  coming  breeze  !  How  did  Hope  raise  her 
head  at  the  slightest  cat's-paw  that  ruffied  the  surface  of 
the  glassy  waters  !  Three  successive  gales  of  wind  are 
bad  enough ;  but  three  gales  blowing  hard  enough  to  blow 
the  devil's  horns  olf  are  infinitely  preferable  to  one  idle, 
stagnant,  motionless,  confounded  calm,  oppressing  you 
with  the  blue-devils  and  maddening  you  with  the  fidgets 
at  one  and  the  same  time. 

At  last,  as  the  sun  descended,  the  breeze  sprung  up, 
first  playing  along  the  waters  in  capricious  and  tantalising 
airs,  as  if  uncertain  and  indifferent  in  its  infancy  to  which 
quarter  of  the  compass  it  should  direct  its  course.  The 
ship  again  answered  her  helm ;  her  head  was  put  the  right 
way,  and  the  sails  were  trimmed  to  every  shift  which  it 
made,  to  woo  its  utmost  power.  In  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
it  settled,  blowing  from  a  quarter  which  placed  them  to 
windward  of,  and  they  carried  it  down  with  them  to 
within  two  miles  of  the  stranger  and  the  neutral,  who 
still  remained  becalmed.  But,  as  the  wind  freshened,  it 
passed  a-head  of  them,  sweeping  along  tiie  surface,  and 
darkening  the  colours  of  the  water,  until  it  reached  the 
vessels  to  leeward  5  one  of  which, — the  one  that  Newton 
was  so  anxious  to  get  alongside  of, — immediately  took 
advantage  of  it,  and,  spreading  all  her  canvas,  soon  increased 


2^"]^  Newton  Forster;  or, 

her  distance.     When  the  Windsor  Castle  arrived  abreast  of 
the  neutral,  the  stranger  was  more  than  two  miles  to  lee- 
ward.    A  little  delay  was  then  necessary  to  ascertain  what 
had  occurred.     Newton,  who  perceived  M.  de  Fontanges 
on  the  deck,  shouting  to  them  and  wringing  his  hands, 
rounded  to,  lowered  down  a  boat,  and  pulled  on  board  of 
the  neutral.     The  intelligence  communicated  was  distress- 
ing.    The  strange  vessel  was  a  pirate,  who  had  plundered 
them  of  everything,  had  taken  away  Madame  de  Fontanges, 
Mimi   and  Charlotte,   her   two  female    attendants.      The 
captain  of  the  pirates  had  wounded  and  severely  beaten 
M,  de  Fontanges,  who  had  resisted  the  ^'-enlevement''''  of 
his  wife ;  and  after  having  cut  away  all  the  standing  rig- 
ging, and  nearly  chopped  through  the  masts  with  axes,  they 
had  finished  their  work  by  boring  holes  in  the  counter  of 
the  vessel ;  so  that,  had  not  Newton  been  able  to  come 
up  with  her,  they  must  all  have  perished  during  the  night. 
There   was    no    time    to    be    lost ;    the    Marquis    de 
Fontanges,  M.  De  Fontanges,  and  the  crew,  were  hurried 
on  board  of  the  Windsor  Castle  (the  pirate  had  taken  care 
that    they   should    not    be    delayed   in    packing    up    their 
baggage),  and  Newton,  as  soon  as  he  returned  on  board, 
and  hoisted  up  his  boat,  crowded  every  stitch  of  canvas 
in  pursuit  of  the  pirate,  who  was  now  more  than  four 
miles  distant.    But,  although  the  wind  gradually  increased, 
and  was  thus  far  in  their  favour,  as  they  first  benefited 
by  it,  yet,   as   the  sun  went    dov/n,   so  did   their  hopes 
descend.    At  nightfall  the  pirate  had  increased  her  distance 
to   seven  miles.     Newton   pursued,  watching  her  with  a 
night-glass,  until  she  could  no  longer  be  distinguished. 
Still,  their  anxiety  was  so  great,  that  no  one  went  to  bed 
on  board  of  the  Windsor  Castle.      When  the  day  broke, 
the  pirate  was  not  to  be  discovered  in  any  quarter  of  the 
horizon  from  the  mast-head  of  the  Windsor  Castle, 


The  Merchant  Service  ^73 


Chapter  XLIX 

«  She  stood  a  moment  as  a  Pythoness 

Stands  on  her  tripod,  agonised  and  full 
Of  inspiration  gather'd  from  distress, 

When  all  the  heart-strings,  like  wild  horses,  pull 
The  heart  asunder ;  then,  as  more  or  less 

Their  speed  abated  or  their  strength  grew  dull, 
She  sunk  down  on  her  seat  by  slow  degrees, 
And  bow'd  her  throbbing  head  o'er  trembling  knees.'* 

Byron. 

It  was  with  deep  regret  that  Newton  gave  directions  for 
the  ship's  head  to  be  again  directed  on  her  course  to 
England;  but  the  property  under  his  charge  was  of  too 
great  value  to  warrant  risking  it  by  cruising  after  the 
pirates,  the  superior  sailing  of  whose  vessel  afforded  no 
hopes  of  success.  The  melancholy  situation  of  Madame 
de  Fontanges  threw  a  gloom  over  the  party,  which  was 
communicated  even  to  the  seamen ;  while  the  anguish  of 
M.  de  Fontanges,  expressed  with  all  the  theatrical  violence 
characteristic  of  his  nation,  was  a  source  of  continual 
reminiscence  and  regret.  They  had  been  four  days  on 
their  voyage,  making  little  progress  with  the  light  and 
baffling  winds,  when  they  were  shrouded  in  one  of  those 
thick  fogs  which  prevail  in  the  latitude  of  the  Cape  de 
Verds,  and  which  was  rendered  more  disagreeable  by  a 
mizzling  rain. 

On  the  sixth  day,  about  twelve  o'clock,  the  horizon 
cleared  to  the  northward,  and  the  fog  in  that  quarter  was 
rolled  away  by  a  strong  breeze  which  rippled  along  the 
water.  Newton,  who  was  on  deck,  observed  the  direction 
of  the  wind  to  be  precisely  the  reverse  of  the  little  breeze 
to  which  their  sails  had  been  trimmed ;  and  the  yards  of 
the  Windsor  Castle  were  braced  round  to  meet  it.  The 
gust  was  strong,  and  the  ship,  laden  as  she  was,  careened 
over  to  the  sudden  force  of  it,  as  the  top-gallant  sheets 
and  halyards  were  let  fly  by  the  directions  of  the  officer 
of  the  watch.     The  fog,  which  had  still  continued  thick 


374  Newton  Forster;  or, 

to  leeward,  now  began  to  clear  away  •,  and,  as  the  bank 
dispersed,  the  Marquis  de  Fontanges,  who  was  standing 
on  the  poop  by  the  side  of  Newton,  cried  out,  "  Voila  un 
hdtiment  I "  Newton  looked  in  the  direction  pointed  out, 
and  discovered  the  hull  of  a  vessel  looming  through  the 
fog,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  leeward  of  the  Windsor 
Castle.  One  minute's  scrutiny  convinced  him  that  it  was 
the  pirate,  who,  not  having  been  expeditious  in  trimming 
his  sails,  laid  in  irons,  as  seamen  term  it,  heeling  over  to 
the  blast.  The  Windsor  Castle  was  then  running  free, 
at  the  rate  of  four  miles  an  hour. 

"Starboard  the  helm — all  hands  to  board — steady  so. 
Be  smart,  my  lads — it's  the  pirate — port  a  little.  Hurrah  ! 
my  lads — be  quick,  and  she's  all  our  own.  Quarter- 
master, my  sword — quick  !  " 

The  crew,  who  were  all  on  deck,  snatched  their 
cutlasses  from  the  capstern-head,  in  which  they  were 
inserted,  and  before  three  minutes  elapsed,  during  which 
the  pirate  had  not  time  to  extricate  himself  from  his 
difficulty,  were  all  ready  for  the  service.  They  were 
joined  by  the  Flemish  sailors  belonging  to  the  neutral 
vessel,  who  very  deliberately  put  their  hands  in  their 
breeches-pockets,  and  pulled  out  their  knives,  about  as 
long  as  a  carpenter's  two-foot  rule,  preferring  this  weapon 
to  anything  else. 

Monsieur  de  Fontanges,  bursting  with  impatience,  stood 
•with  Newton,  at  the  head  of  the  men.  When  the  collision 
of  the  two  vessels  took  place,  the  Windsor  Castle,  conned 
so  as  not  to  run  down  the  pirate,  but  to  sheer  alongside, 
stove  in  the  bulwarks  of  the  other,  and  carried  away  her 
topmasts,  which,  drawn  to  windward  by  the  pressure  on 
the  back-stays,  fell  over  towards  the  Windsor  Castle,  and, 
entangling  with  her  rigging,  prevented  the  separation  of 
the  two  vessels. 

"  No  quarter,  my  friends  !  "  cried  Monsieur  de 
Fontanges,  who  darted  on  board  of  the  pirate  vessel  at 
the  head  of  some  men  near  the  main-rigging,  while  Newton 
and  the  remainder,  equally  active,  poured  down  upon  his 
quarter. 


The  Merchant  Service 


Z7S 


Such  had  been  the  rapidity  of  the  junction,  and  such  the 
impetuosity  of  the  attack,  that  most  of  the  pirates  had  not 
had  time  to  arm  themselves,  which,  considering  the 
superiority  of  their  numbers  rendered  the  contest  more 
equal.  A  desperate  struggle  was  the  result , — the  attacked 
party  neither  expecting,  demanding,  nor  receiving  quarter. 
It  was  blow  for  blow,  wound  for  wound,  death  to  one  or 
both.  Every  inch  of  the  deck  was  disputed,  and  not  an 
inch  obtained  until  it  reeked  with  blood.  The  voices  of 
Newton  and  Monsieur  de  Fontanges,  encouraging  their 
men,  were  answered  by  another  voice, — that  of  the  captain 
of  the  pirates, — which  had  its  due  effect  upon  the  other 
party,  which  rallied  at  its  sound.  Newton,  even  in  the 
hurry  and  excitement  of  battle,  could  not  help  thinking  to 
himself  that  he  had  heard  that  voice  before.  The  English 
seamen  gained  but  little  ground,  so  obstinate  was  the  re- 
sistance. The  pirates  fell ;  but  as  they  lay  on  the  deck, 
they  either  raised  their  exhausted  arms  to  strike  one  last 
blow  of  vengeance  before  their  life's  blood  had  been  poured 
out,  or  seized  upon  their  antagonists  with  their  teeth  in 
their  expiring  agonies.  But  a  party,  who,  from  the  sedate- 
ness  of  their  carriage,  had  hitherto  been  almost  neutral, 
now  forced  their  way  into  the  conflict.  These  were  the 
Flemish  seamen,  with  their  long  snick-a-snee  knives,  which 
they  used  with  as  much  imperturbability  as  a  butcher 
professionally  employed.  They  had  gained  the  main- 
rigging  of  the  vessel,  and,  ascending  it,  had  passed  over 
by  the  catharpins,  and  descended,  with  all  the  deliberation 
of  bears,  on  the  other  side,  by  which  tranquil  manoeuvre 
the  pirates  were  taken  in  flank ;  and  huddled  as  they  were 
together,  the  knives  of  the  Flemings  proved  much  more 
effective  than  the  weapons  opposed  to  them.  The  assist- 
ance of  the  Flemings  was  hailed  with  a  shout  from  the 
English  seamen,  who  rallied,  and  increased  their  efforts. 
Newton's  sword  had  just  been  passed  through  the  body  of 
a  tall,  powerful  man,  who  had  remained  uninjured  in  the 
front  of  the  opposing  party  since  the  commencement  of  the 
action,  when  his  fall  discovered   to  Newton's  view   the 


'^'jS  Newton  Forster;  or, 

captain  of  the  vessel,  whose  voice  had  been  so  often  heard, 
but  who  had  hitherto  been  concealed  from  his  sight  by  the 
athletic  form  which  had  just  fallen  by  his  hand.  What 
was  his  astonishment  and  his  indignation  when  he  found 
himself  confronted  by  one  whom  he  had  long  imagined  to 
have  been  summoned  to  answer  for  his  crimes — his  former 
inveterate  enemy,  Jackson  ! 

Jackson  appeared  to  be  no  less  astonished  at  the  recog- 
nition of  Newton,  whom  he  had  supposed  to  have  perished 
on  the  sand-bank.  Both  mechanically  called  each  other  by 
name,  and  both  sprang  forward.  The  blow  of  Newton's 
sword  was  warded  off  by  the  miscreant ;  but  at  the  same 
moment  that  of  Monsieur  de  Fontanges  was  passed  through 
his  body  to  the  hilt.  Newton  had  just  time  to  witness  the 
fall  of  Jackson,  when  a  tomahawk  descended  on  his  head  ; 
his  senses  failed  him,  and  he  lay  among  the  dead  upon  the 
deck. 

There  was  a  shriek,  a  piercing  shriek,  heard  when 
Newton  fell.  It  passed  the  lips  of  one  who  had  watched, 
with  an  anxiety  too  intense  to  be  pourtrayed,  the  issue  of 
the  conflict ; — it  was  from  Isabel,  who  had  quitted  the 
cabin  at  the  crash  occasioned  by  the  collision  of  the  two 
vessels,  and  had  remained  upon  the  poop  "  spectatress  of 
the  fight."  There  were  no  fire-arms  used  ;  no  time  for 
preparation  had  been  allowed.  There  had  been  no  smoke 
to  conceal — all  had  been  fairly  presented  to  her  aching  sight. 
Yes  !  there  she  had  remained,  her  eye  fixed  upon  Newton 
Forster,  as,  at  the  head  of  his  men,  he  slowly  gained  the 
deck  of  the  contested  vessel.  Not  one  word  did  she  utter  ; 
but,  with  her  lips  wide  apart  from  intensity  of  feeling,  she 
watched  his  progress  through  the  strife,  her  eye  fixed — 
immovably  fixed  upon  the  spot  where  his  form  was  to  be 
seen  ;  hope  buoyant,  as  she  saw  his  arm  raised  and  his 
victims  fall — heart  sinking,  as  the  pirate  sword  aimed  at  a 
life  so  dear.  There  she  stood  like  a  statue — as  white  as 
beautiful — as  motionless  as  if,  indeed,  she  had  been  chiselled 
from  the  Parian  marble  ;  and  had  it  not  been  for  her  bosom 
heaving  with  the  agony  of  tumultuous  feeling,  you  might 


The  Merchant  Service  2P1 

have  imagined  that  all  was  as  cold  within.  Newton  fell — 
all  her  hopes  were  wrecked — she  uttered  one  wild  shriek, 
and  felt  no  more. 

After  the  fall  of  Jackson,  the  pirates  were  disheartened, 
and  their  resistance  became  more  feeble.  M.  de  Fontanges 
carved  his  way  to  the  tafFrail,  and  then  turned  round  to  kill 
again.  In  a  few  minutes  the  most  feeble-hearted  escaped 
below,  leaving  the  few  remaining  brave  to  be  hacked  to 
pieces,  and  the  deck  of  the  pirate  vessel  was  in  possession 
of  the  British  crew.  Not  waiting  to  recover  his  breath, 
M.  de  Fontanges  rushed  below  to  seek  his  wife.  The 
cabin  door  was  locked,  but  yielded  to  his  efforts ;  and  he 
found  her  in  the  arms  of  her  attendants  in  a  state  of  in- 
sensibility. A  scream  of  horror  at  the  sight  of  his  bloody 
sword,  and  another  of  joy  at  the  recognition  of  their  master, 
was  followed  up  with  the  assurance  that  Madame  had  only 
fainted.  M.  de  Fontanges  took  his  wife  in  his  arms,  and 
carried  her  on  deck,  where,  with  the  assistance  of  the  sea- 
men, he  removed  her  on  board  of  the  Windsor  Castle^  and 
in  a  short  time  had  the  pleasure  to  witness  her  recovery. 
Their  first  endearments  over,  there  was  an  awkward 
question  to  put  to  a  wife.  After  responding  to  her 
caresses,  M.  de  Fontanges  inquired,  with  an  air  of  anxiety 
very  remarkable  in  a  Frenchman,  how  she  had  been  treated. 
"  II  n'y  a  pas  de  mal,  mon  ami,"  replied  Madame  de  Fon- 
tanges. This  was  a  Jesuitical  sort  of  answer,  and  M. 
de  Fontanges  required  further  particulars.  *'  Elle  avait 
temporise"  with  the  ruffian,  with  the  faint  hope  of  that 
assistance  which  had  so  opportunely  and  unexpectedly 
arrived.  M.  de  Fontanges  was  satisfied  with  his  wife's 
explanation  ;  and  such  being  the  case,  what  passed  be- 
tween Jackson  and  Madame  de  Fontanges  can  be  no  concern 
of  the  reader's.  As  for  Mimi  and  Charlotte,  they  made  no 
such  assertion  ^  but,  when  questioned,  the  poor  girls  burst 
into  tears,  and,  calling  the  captain  and  first  lieutenant  of 
the  pirate  vessel  barbarians  and  every  epithet  they  could 
think  of,  complained  bitterly  of  the  usage  which  they  had 
received. 


378  Newton  Forster;  or, 

We  left  Newton  floored  (as  Captain  Oughton  would 
have  said)  on  the  deck  of  the  pirate  vessel,  and  Isabel  in  a 
swoon  on  the  poop  of  the  Windsor  Castle.  They  were  both 
taken  up,  and  then  taken  down,  and  recovered  according  to 
the  usual  custom  in  romances  and  real  life.  Isabel  was  the 
first  to  come  to,  because,  I  presume,  a  blow  on  the  heart  is 
not  quite  so  serious  as  a  blow  on  the  head.  Fortunately 
for  Newton,  the  tomahawk  had  only  glanced  along  the 
temple,  not  injuring  the  skull,  although  it  stunned  him, 
and  detached  a  very  decent  portion  of  his  scalp,  which  had 
to  be  replaced.  A  lancet  brought  him  to  his  senses,  and 
the  surgeon  pronounced  his  wound  not  to  be  dangerous, 
provided  that  he  remained  quiet. 

At  first  Newton  acquiesced  with  the  medical  adviser, 
but  an  hour  or  two  afterwards  a  circumstance  occurred 
which  had  such  a  resuscitating  effect,  that,  weak  as  he  was 
with  the  loss  of  blood,  he  would  not  resign  the  command 
of  the  ship,  but  gave  his  orders  relative  to  the  captured 
vessel,  and  the  securing  of  the  prisoners,  as  if  nothing  had 
occurred.  What  had  contributed  so  much  to  the  recovery 
of  Newton  was  simply  this,  that  somehow  or  another  Mrs 
Enderby  left  him  for  a  few  minutes,  tete-a-tete  with  Isabel 
Revel :  and,  during  those  few  minutes,  somehow  or  another, 
a  very  interesting  scene  occurred,  which  I  have  no  time 
just  now  to  describe.  It  ended,  however,  somehow  or  another, 
in  the  parties  plighting  their  troth.  As  I  said  before,  love 
and  murder  are  very  good  friends ;  and  a  chop  from  a 
tomahawk  was  but  a  prelude  for  the  descent  of  Love,  with 
"  healing  on  his  wings." 

The  Windsor  Castle  lost  five  men  killed  and  eleven 
wounded  in  this  hard  contest.  Three  of  the  Flemings 
were  also  wounded.  The  pirate  had  suffered  more 
severely.  Out  of  a  crew  of  seventy-five  men,  as  no 
quarter  had  been  given,  there  remained  but  twenty-six, 
who  had  escaped  and  secreted  themselves  below,  in  the 
hold  of  the  vessel.  These  were  put  in  irons  under  the 
half-deck  of  the  Windsor  Castle,  to  be  tried  upon  their 
arrival  in  England.     As  I  may  as  well  dispose  of  them  at 


The  Merchant  Service  379 

once,  they  were  all  sentenced  to  death  by  Sir  William 
Scott,  who  made  a  very  impressive  speech  upon  the  occa- 
sion ;  and  most  of  them  were  hanged  on  the  bank  of  the 
Thames.  The  polite  valet  of  the  Marquis  de  Fontanges 
hired  a  wherry,  and  escorted  Mademoiselles  Mimi  and 
Charlotte  to  witness  the  "  harhares "  dangling  in  their 
chains  ;  and  the  sooty  young  ladies  returned  much  gratified 
with  their  interesting  excursion. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  account  for  the  reappearance  of 
Jackson.  The  reader  may  recollect  that  he  made  sail  in 
the  boat,  leaving  Newton  on  the  island  which  they  had 
gained  after  the  brig  had  been  run  on  shore  and  wrecked. 
When  the  boat  came  floating  down  with  the  tide,  bottom 
up,  Newton  made  sure  that  Jackson  had  been  upset  and 
drowned  j  instead  of  which,  he  had  been  picked  up  by 
a  Providence  schooner ;  and  the  boat  having  been  allowed 
to  go  adrift  with  the  main-sheet  belayed  to  the  pin,  had 
been  upset  by  a  squall,  and  had  floated  down  with  the 
current  to  the  sand-bank  where  Newton  was  standing  in 
the  water.  Jackson  did  not  return  to  England,  but  had 
entered  on  board  of  a  Portuguese  slave-vessel,  and  con- 
tinued some  time  employed  in  this  notorious  traffic,  which 
tends  so  much  to  demoralise  and  harden  the  heart.  After 
several  voyages,  he  headed  a  mutiny,  murdered  the  captain 
and  those  who  were  not  a  party  to  the  scheme,  and  com- 
menced a  career  of  piracy,  which  had  been  very  successful, 
from  the  superior  sailing  of  the  vessel,  and  the  courage 
of  the  hardened  villains  he  had  collected  under  his  com- 
mand. 


380  Newton  Forster;  or, 


Chapter  L 

"  Hopes,  of  all  passions,  most  befriend  us  here  ; 
Joy  has  her  tears,  and  Transport  has  her  death : 
Hope,  like  a  cordial,  innocent,  tho'  strong, 
Man's  heart  at  once  inspirits  and  serenes  ; 
Nor  makes  him  pay  his  wisdom  for  his  joys, 
Tis  all  our  present  state  can  safely  bear : 
Health  to  the  frame  and  vigour  to  the  mind, 
And  to  the  modest  eye,  chastised  delight, 
Like  the  fair  summer  evening,  mild  and  sweet, 
'Tis  man's  full  cup — his  paradise  below." 

Young. 

With  what  feelings  of  delight  did  Newton  Forster  walk 
the  deck  of  the  Windsor  Castle,  as  she  scudded  before 
a  fine  breeze  across  the  Bay  of  Biscay  !  His  happiness 
in  anticipation  was  so  great,  that  at  times  he  trembled 
lest  the  cup  should  be  dashed  from  his  lips  ;  and  at  the 
same  time  that  he  thanked  God  for  blessings  received, 
he  offered  up  his  prayer  that  his  prospects  might  not  be 
blighted  by  disappointment.  How  happy  did  he  feel 
when  he  escorted  Isabel  on  deck,  and  walked  with  her 
during  the  fine  summer  evenings,  communicating  those 
hopes  and  fears,  recurring  to  the  past,  or  anticipating  the 
future,  till  midnight  warned  them  of  the  rapidity  with 
which  time  had  flown  away  !  The  pirate  vessel,  which 
had  been  manned  by  the  crew  of  the  neutral  and  part  of 
the  ship's  company  of  the  Windsor  Castle,  under  charge 
of  the  fourth  mate,  sailed  round  and  round  them,  until 
at  last  the  Channel  was  entered,  and  favoured  with  a 
westerly  breeze,  the  Windsor  Castle  and  her  prize  anchored 
in  the  Downs.  Here  Mrs  Enderby  and  Isabel  quitted 
the  ship,  and  Newton  received  orders  to  proceed  round 
to  the  river.  Before  the  Windsor  Castle  had  anchored, 
the  newspapers  were  put  into  his  hands  containing  a 
report  of  the  two  actions,  and  he  had  the  gratification  of 
acknowledging  that  his  countrymen  were  not  niggardly 
in  the  encomiums  upon  his  meritorious  conduct. 


The  Merchant  Service  381 

Newton  presented  himself  to  the  Court  of  Directors, 
who  confirmed  his  rank,  and  promised  him  the  command 
of  the  first  ship  which  was  brought  forward,  with  flatter- 
ing commendations  for  his  gallantry  in  protecting  property 
of  so  much  value.  Newton  took  his  leave  of  the  august 
Leaden-all  board,  and  hastened  to  his  uncle's  house.  The 
door  was  opened  by  a  servant  who  did  not  know  him: 
Newton  passed  him,  and  ran  up  to  the  drawing-room, 
where  he  found  Amber  in  company  with  William  Aveleyn, 
who  was  reading  to  her  the  despatch  containing  the 
account  of  the  action  with  Surcoeuf. 

Amber  sprang  into  his  arms.  She  had  grown  into  a 
tall  girl  of  nearly  fifteen,  budding  into  womanhood  and 
beauty  ;  promising  perfection,  although  not  yet  attained 
to  it.  William  Aveleyn  was  also  nearly  half  a  foot  taller  ; 
and  a  blush  which  suffused  his  handsome  face  at  being 
surprised  alone  with  Amber,  intimated  that  the  feelings 
of  a  man  were  superseding  those  of  boyhood. 

"  Where  is  my  mother  ?  "  inquired  Newton. 

"  She  is  not  at  home,  dear  Newton,"  replied  Amber ; 
**  she  walked  out  with  your  father.  They  are  both 
well." 

**  And  my  uncle  ? " 

"  Quite  well,  and  most  anxious  to  see  you.  He  talks  of 
nobody  but  you,  and  of  nothing  but  your  actions,  which 
we  were  just  reading  about  when  you  came  in.  Pray, 
Captain  Newton,  may  I  inquire  after  your  French  friends  ? 
What  has  become  of  them  ?  " 

"  They  are  at  Sablonniere's  hotel.  Miss  Amber  5  they 
have  obtained  their  parole  at  the  Alien-office." 

The  conversation  was  interrupted  by  the  return  of 
Newton's  father  and  mother,  and  shortly  afterwards  Mr 
John  Forster  made  his  appearance.  After  the  first  greet- 
ings and  congratulations  were  over — 

"  Well,  Newton,"  observed  Nicholas,  "  so  you  beat  off 
a  pirate,  I  hear." 

"No,  my  dear  father,  we  boarded  one." 

"Ah!  very  true  j  I  recollect — and  you  killed  Surcoeuf." 


382  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  No,  father,  only  beat  him  ofF." 

"So  it  was  ;  I  recollect  now.  Brother  John,  isn't  it 
almost  dinner  time  ? " 

**  Yes,  brother  Nicholas,  it  is ;  and  Vm  not  sorry  for  it. 
Mr  William  Aveleyn,  perhaps  you'd  like  to  wash  your 
hands  ?  A  lad's  paws  are  never  the  worse  for  a  little 
clean  water." 

William  Aveleyn  blushed ;  his  dignity  was  hurt :  but  he 
had  lately  been  very  intimate  at  Mr  Forster's,  and  he 
therefore  walked  out  to  comply  with  the  recommendation. 

"  Well,  brother  Nicholas,  what  have  you  been  doing  all 
day?" 

**  Doing  all  day,  brother  ?  really,  I  don't  exactly  know. 
My  dear,"  said  Nicholas,  turning  to  his  wife,  "  what  have 
I  been  doing  all  day  ? " 

**  To  the  best  of  my  recollection,"  replied  Mrs  Forster, 
smiling,  "  you  have  been  asking  when  dinner  would  be 
ready." 

**  Uncle  Nicholas,"  said  Amber,  "  you  promised  to  buy 
me  a  skein  of  blue  silk." 

"Did  I,  my  dear  ?  Well,  so  I  did,  I  declare.  I'm  very 
sorry — dear  me,  I  forgot,  I  did  buy  it.  I  passed  by  a 
shop  where  the  windows  were  full  of  it,  and  it  brought  it 
to  my  mind,  and  I  did  buy  it.  It  cost — what  was  it,  it 
cost?" 

"  Oh  !  I  know  what  it  cost,"  replied  Amber.  "  I  gave 
you  threepence  to  pay  for  it.     Where  is  it  ?  " 

"  If  I  recollect,  it  cost  seven  shillings  and  sixpence," 
replied  Nicholas,  pulling  out,  not  a  skein  of  blue  silk,  but 
a  yard  of  blue  sarsenet. 

"  Now,  papa,  do  look  here !  Uncle  Nicholas,  I  never 
will  give  you  a  commission  again.  Is  it  not  provoking  ? 
I  have  seven  shillings  and  sixpence  to  pay  for  a  yard  of 
blue  sarsenet,  which  I  do  not  want.  Uncle  Nicholas,  you 
really  are  very  stupid." 

"Well,  my  dear,  I  suppose  I  am.  I  heard  William 
Aveleyn  say  the  same,  when  I  came  into  the  room  this 
morning,  because — let  me  see " 


The  Merchant  Service  383 

**  You  heard  him  say  nothing,  uncle,"  interrupted 
Amber,  colouring. 

"  Yes,  I  recollect  now — how  stupid  I  was  to  come  in 
when  I  was  not  wanted  !  " 

*'  Humph ! "  said  John  Forster ;  and  dinner  was  an- 
nounced. 

Since  the  recognition  of  Mrs  Forster  by  her  husband, 
she  had  presided  at  her  brother-in-law's  table.  The 
dinner  provided  was  excellent,  and  was  done  ample  justice 
to  by  all  parties,  especially  Nicholas,  whose  appetite 
appeared  to  increase  from  idleness.  Since  Newton  had 
left  England  he  had  remained  a  pensioner  upon  his  brother; 
and,  by  dint  of  constant  exertion  on  the  part  of  Mrs 
Forster,  had  been  drilled  out  of  his  propensity  of  inter- 
fering with  either  the  watch  or  the  spectacles.  This  was 
all  that  was  required  by  Mr  John  Forster ;  and  Nicholas 
walked  up  and  down  the  house,  like  a  tame  cat,  minding 
nobody,  and  nobody  paying  any  attention  to  him. 

After  dinner  the  ladies  retired,  and  shortly  afterwards 
William  Aveleyn  quitted  the  room. 

Newton  thought  this  to  be  a  good  opportunity  to 
acquaint  his  uncle  with  his  attachment  to  Miss  Revel, 
and  the  favourable  result.  Mr  John  Forster  heard  him 
without  interruption. 

"Very  nice  girl,  I  daresay,  nephew,  but  you  are  too 
young  to  marry.  You  can't  marry  and  go  to  sea.  Follow 
your  profession,  Newton ;  speculate  in  opium — I'll  find 
the  means." 

*'  I  trust,  sir,  that  I  should  never  speculate  in  marrying  : 
but,  had  I  acted  on  that  plan,  this  would  prove  the  best 
speculation  of  the  two.  Miss  Revel  has  a  very  large 
fortune." 

**  So  much  the  worse  :  a  man  should  never  be  indebted 
to  his  wife  for  his  money — they  never  forget  it.  Vd 
rather  you  had  fallen  in  love  with  a  girl  without  a 
shilling." 

"  Well,  sir,  when  I  first  fell  in  love  she  had  not  a 
sixpence." 


384  Newton  Forster;  or, 

**  Humph  ! — well,  nephew,  that  may  be  very  true  ; 
but,  as  I  said  before,  follow  your  profession." 

*'  Marriage  will  not  prevent  my  so  doing,  uncle.  Most 
captains  of  Indiamen  are  married  men." 

"More  fools  they!  leaving  their  wives  at  home  to  be 
flattered  and  fooled  by  the  Lord  knows  who.  A  wife, 
nephew  is — a  woman." 

"  I  hope  that  mine  will  be  one,  sir,"  replied  Newton, 
laughing. 

"  Nephew,  once  for  all,  I  don't  approve  of  your  marry- 
ing now — that's  understood.  It's  my  wish  that  you  follow 
your  profession.  I'll  be  candid  with  you ;  I  have  left 
you  the  heir  to  most  of  my  fortune  -,  but — I  can  alter  my 
will.     If  you  marry  this  girl  I  shall  do  so." 

"Alter  your  will,  brother?"  said  Nicholas,  who  had 
been  attentive  to  the  conversation.  "  Why,  who  have 
you  to  leave  your  money  to,  except  to  Newton  ?  " 

"  To  hospitals — to  pay  off  the  national  debt — to  any- 
thing. Perhaps  I  may  leave  it  all  to  that  little  girl,  who 
already  has  come  in  for  a  slice." 

"But,  brother,"  replied  Nicholas,  "will  that  be  just, 
to  leave  all  your  money  away  from  your  family  ?  " 

"  Just !  yes,  brother  Nicholas,  quite  just.  A  man's 
will  is  his  ivilL  If  he  makes  it  so  as  to  satisfy  the  wishes 
or  expectations  of  others,  it  is  no  longer  his  ivill,  but  theirs. 
Nephew,  as  I  said  before,  if  you  marry  against  my  consent, 
I  shall  alter  my  will." 

"  I  am  sorry,  sir,  very  sorry,  that  you  should  be  dis- 
pleased with  me  ;  but  I  am  affianced  to  this  lady,  and 
no  worldly  consideration  will  induce  me  not  to  fulfil  an 
engagement  upon  which,  indeed,  my  future  happiness 
depends.  I  have  no  claim  upon  you,  sir  ;  on  the  contrary, 
I  have  incurred  a  large  debt  of  gratitude,  from  your  kind 
protection.     Anything  else  you  would  require  of  me " 

"  Humph  !  that's  always  the  case ;  anything  else  except 
what  is  requested.  Brother  Nicholas,  do  me  the  favour 
to  go  upstairs  ;  I  wish  to  speak  with  my  nephew  alone." 

"Well,    brother   John,   certainly,   if  you    wish    it — if 


The  Merchant  Service  385 

you  and  Newton  have  secrets  ; "  and  Nicholas  rose  from 
his  chair. 

**  Surely,  sir,"  observed  Newton,  not  pleased  at  the 
abrupt  dismissal  of  his  father,  "  we  can  have  no  secrets 
to  which  my  father  may  not  be  a  party." 

**  Yes,  but  I  have,  nephew.  Your  father  is  my  brother, 
and  I  take  the  liberty  with  my  brother,  if  you  like  that 
better — not  with  your  father." 

In  the  meantime  Nicholas  had  stalked  out  of  the  room. 

*'  Nephew,"  continued  Mr  John  Forster,  as  the  door 
closed,  "  I  have  stated  to  you  my  wish  that  you  should 
not  marry  this  young  woman  j  and  I  will  now  explain 
my  reasons.  The  girl  left  in  my  charge  by  my  brother 
Edward  has  become  the  same  to  me  as  a  daughter.  I 
intend  that  you  shall  make  three  or  four  voyages  as 
captain  of  an  Indiaman  j  then  you  shall  marry  her,  and 
become  the  heir  to  my  whole  fortune.  Now  you  under- 
stand me.     May  I  ask  what  are  your  objections  ? " 

**  None,  sir,  but  what  I  have  already  stated — my  attach- 
ment and  engagement  to  another  person." 

'^s  that  all?" 

"Is  it  not  enough  ?" 

**  It  appears  that  this  young  woman  has  entered  into 
an  engagement  on  board  ship,  without  consulting  her 
friends." 

"  She  has  no  father,  sir.  She  is  of  age,  and  inde- 
pendent." 

**  You  have  done  the  same." 

*'I  grant  it,  sir;  but  even  were  I  inclined,  could  I, 
in  honour  or  honesty,  retract  ?  " 

"  Humph  !  " 

**  Perhaps,  sir,  if  you  were  acquainted  with  the  young 
lady  you  might  not  be  averse  to  the  match." 

"  Perhaps,  if  I  saw  with  your  eyes,  I  might  not ;  but 
that  is  not  likely  to  be  the  case.  Old  men  are  a  little 
blind  and  a  little  obstinate.  After  toiling  through  life 
to  amass  a  fortune,  they  wish  to  have  their  own  way 
of  disposing  of  it.     It  is  the  only  return  they  can  receive 

F  2  B 


386  Newton  Forster;  or, 

for  their  labour.  However,  nephew,  you  will  act  as 
you  please.  As  I  said  before,  if  you  marry  against  my 
consent,  I  shall  alter  my  will.  Now,  empty  the  bottle, 
and  we'll  go  upstairs." 


CHAPTER   LI 

"  And,  Betty,  give  this  cheek  a  little  red. 


Pope. 


The  departure  of  Isabel  in  the  Windsor  Castle,  so  im- 
mediately after  the  death  of  Colonel  Revel,  prevented  her 
communicating  to  her  mother  the  alteration  which  had 
taken  place  in  her  circumstances,  and  her  intended  return 
to  England.  The  first  intimation  received  by  Mrs  Revel 
was  from  a  hurried  note  sent  on  shore  by  a  pilot-boat  off 
Falmouth,  stating  Isabel's  arrival  in  the  Channel,  and  her 
anticipation  of  soon  embracing  her  mother.  Isabel  did  not 
enter  into  any  particulars,  as  she  neither  had  time,  nor  did 
she  feel  assured  that  the  letter  would  ever  reach  its  destina- 
tion. 

The  letter  did  however  come  to  hand  two  days  before 
Isabel  and  Mrs  Enderby  arrived  in  the  metropolis,  much 
to  the  chagrin  of  Mrs  Revel,  who  imagined  that  her 
daughter  had  returned  penniless,  to  be  a  sharer  of  her 
limited  income.  She  complained  to  Mr  Heaviside,  who  as 
usual  stepped  in,  not  so  much  from  any  regard  for  Mrs 
Revel,  but  to  while  away  the  time  of  a  far  nietite  old 
bachelor. 

"  Only  think,  Mr  Heaviside,"  said  the  lady,  who  was 
stretched  on  a  sofa,  supported  on  pillows,  "  Isabel  has 
returned  from  India.  Here  is  a  letter  I  have  just  received, 
signed  by  her  maiden  name !  Her  sisters  so  well 
married  too !  Surely  she  might  have  stayed  out  with  one 
of  them !  I  wonder  how  she  got  the  money  to  pay  her 
passage  home  !     Dear  me,  what  shall  I  do  with  her  ? " 

"  If  I  may  be  allowed  to  see  the  letter,  Mrs  Revel," 
said  the  old  gentleman 


The  Merchant  Service  387 

"  Oh,  certainly,  it's  nothing  but  a  note." 

Mr  Heaviside  read  the  contents. 

**  There  is  very  little  in  it  indeed,  Mrs  Revel;  not  a 
word  about  the  colonel,  or  why  she  left  India.  Perhaps 
the  colonel  may  be  dead." 

"  Then  she  might  have  gone  to  live  with  one  of  her 
sisters,  Mr  Heaviside." 

"  But  perhaps  he  may  have  left  her  some  property." 

**  And  do  you,  a  sensible  man,  think  that  if  such  was 
the  case,  my  daughter  would  not  have  mentioned  it  in  her 
note  ?     Impossible,  Mr  Heaviside  !  " 

"  She  may  intend  to  surprise  you,  Mrs  Revel." 

"  She  has  surprised  me,"  replied  the  lady,  falling  back, 
upon  the  pillows. 

"  Well,  Mrs  Revel,  you  will  soon  ascertain  the  facts. 
I  wish  you  a  good-morning,  and  will  pay  my  devoirs  in  a 
day  or  two  to  inquire  after  your  health,  and  hear  what  has 
taken  place." 

To  defray  the  expenses  attending  the  **  consignment" 
of  the  three  Miss  Revels  to  India,  Mrs  Revel  had  con- 
sented to  borrow  money,  insuring  her  life  as  a  security  to 
the  parties  who  provided  it.  Her  unprincipled  husband 
took  this  opportunity  of  obtaining  a  sum  which  amounted 
to  more  than  half  her  marriage  settlement,  as  Mrs  Revel 
signed  the  papers  laid  before  her  without  examining  their 
purport.  When  her  dividends  were  become  due,  this 
treachery  was  discovered  ;  and  Mrs  Revel  found  herself 
reduced  to  a  very  narrow  income,  and  wholly  deserted  by 
her  husband,  who  knew  that  he  had  no  chance  of  obtain- 
ing further  means  of  carrying  on  his  profligate  career. 
His  death  in  a  duel, which  we  have  before  mentioned,  took 
place  a  few  months  after  the  transaction,  and  Mrs  Revel 
was  attacked  with  that  painful  disease,  a  cancer,  so  deeply 
seated  as  to  be  incurable.  Still  she  was  the  same  frivolous, 
heartless  being ;  still  she  sighed  for  pleasure,  and  to  move 
in  those  circles  in  which  she  had  been  received  at  the  time 
of  her  marriage.  But,  as  her  income  diminished,  so  did 
her  acquaintances  fall  oiF;  and  at  the  period  of  Isabel's 


588  Newton  Forster;  or, 

return,  with  the  exception  of  Mr  Heaviside  and  one  or 
two  others,  she  was  suffered  to  pine  away  in  seclusion. 

Isabel  was  greeted  with  querulous  indifference  until  the 
explanation  of  the  first  ten  minutes;  then,  as  an  heiress, 
with  the  means  as  well  as  the  desire  of  contributing  to  her 
mother's  comforts,  all  was  joy  and  congratulation.  Her 
incurable  disease  was  for  the  time  forgotten  ;  and  although 
pain  would  occasionally  draw  down  the  muscles  of  her 
face,  as  soon  as  the  pang  was  over,  so  was  the  remem- 
brance of  her  precarious  situation.  Wan  and  wasted  as  a 
spectre,  she  indulged  in  anticipation  of  again  mixing  with 
the  fashionable  world,  and  talked  of  chaperoning  Isabel  to 
private  parties  and  public  amusements,  when  she  was 
standing  on  the  brink  of  eternity.  Isabel  sighed  as  she 
listened  to  her  mother,  and  observed  her  attenuated  frame  ; 
occasionally  she  would  refer  to  her  mother's  state  of  health, 
and  attempt  to  bring  her  to  that  serious  state  of  mind 
which  her  awful  situation  demanded ;  but  in  vain  :  Mrs 
Revel  would  evade  the  subject.  Before  a  week  had  passed, 
she  had  set  up  an  equipage,  and  called  upon  many  of  her 
quondam  friends  to  announce  the  important  intelligence  of 
her  daughter's  wealth.  Most  of  them  had  long  before 
given  orders  not  to  be  "  at  home  to  Mrs  Revel."  The 
few  to  whom,  from  the  remissness  of  their  porters,  she 
obtained  admittance,  were  satisfied  at  their  servants' 
negligence  when  they  heard  the  intelligence  which  Mrs 
Revel  had  to  communicate.  '*  They  were  so  delighted ; 
Isabel  was  always  such  a  sweet  girl  \  hoped  that  Mrs 
Revel  would  not  be  such  a  recluse  as  she  had  been,  and 
that  they  should  prevail  upon  her  to  come  to  their  parties  !  " 
An  heiress  is  of  no  little  consequence  when  there  are  so 
many  younger  brothers  to  provide  for ;  and,  before  a 
short  month  had  flown  away,  Mrs  Revel,  to  her  delight, 
found  that  the  cards  and  invitations  of  no  inconsiderable 
portion  of  the  beau  monde  covered  the  table  of  her  confined 
drawing-room.  To  Isabel,  who  perceived  that  her  mother 
was  sinking  every  day  under  the  exertion  she  went  through, 
all  this  was  a  source  of  deep  regret.     It  occurred  to  her 


The  Merchant  Service  389 

that  to  state  her  engagements  with  Newton  Forster  would 
have  some  effect  in  preventing  this  indirect  suicide.  She 
took  an  opportunity  of  confiding  it  to  her  mother,  who 
hstened  to  her  with  astonishment. 

**  Isabel !  what  do  I  hear  ?  What !  that  young  man  who 
calls  here  so  often  !  You,  that  can  command  a  title,  rank, 
and  fashion,  engage  yourself  to  a  captain  of  an  Indiaman ! 
Recollect,  Isabel,  that  now  your  poor  father  is  dead,  I  am 
your  legal  protector  j  and  without  my  permission  I  trust 
you  have  too  much  sense  of  filial  duty  to  think  of  marry- 
ing. How  you  could  venture  to  form  an  engagement 
without  consulting  me  is  quite  astonishing  !  Depend  upon 
it,  I  shall  not  give  my  consent  5  therefore,  think  no  more 
about  it." 

How  often  do  we  thtis  see  people,  who  make  no 
scruples  of  neglecting  their  duties,  as  eagerly  assert  their 
responsibility,  when  it  suits  their  convenience. 

Isabel  might  have  retorted,  but  she  did  not.  In  few 
words,  she  gave  her  mother  to  understand  that  she  was 
decided,  and  then  retired  to  dress  for  a  splendid  ball,  at 
which,  more  to  please  her  mother  than  herself,  she  had 
consented  to  be  present. 

It  was  the  first  party  of  any  consequence  to  which  Mrs 
Revel  had  been  invited.  She  considered  it  as  her  re-entree 
into  the  fashionable  world,  and  the  presentation  of  her 
daughter ;  she  would  not  have  missed  it  for  any  considera- 
tion. That  morning  she  had  felt  more  pain  than  usual, 
and  had  been  obliged  to  have  recourse  to  restoratives ;  but 
once  more  to  join  the  gay  and  fashionable  throng — the 
very  idea  braced  her  nerves,  rendered  her  callous  to  suffer- 
ing, and  indifferent  to  disease. 

*'  I  think,"  said  Mrs  Revel  to  her  maid — "  I  think,"  said 
she,  panting,  **  you  may  lace  me  a  little  closer,  Martyn." 

"Indeed,  madam,  the  holes  nearly  meet  5  it  will  hurt 
your  side." 

"  No,  no,  I  feel  no  pain  this  evening — there,  that  will 
do." 

The  lady's-maid  finished  her  task,  and  left  the  room. 


390  Newton  Forster;  or, 

Mrs  Revel  rouged  her  wan  cheeks,  and,  exhausted  with 
fatigue  and  pain,  tottered  to  an  easy-chair,  that  she  might 
recover  herself  a  little  before  she  went  downstairs. 

In  a  quarter  of  an  hour  Isabel,  who  had  waited  for  the 
services  of  Martyn,  entered  her  mother's  room,  to  announce 
that  she  was  ready.  Her  mother,  who  was  sitting  in  the 
chair,  leaning  backwards,  answered  her  not.  Isabel  went 
up  to  her,  and  looked  her  in  the  face — she  was  dead  I 


Chapter  LII 

«  My  dearest  wife  was  like  this  maid, 
And  such  my  daughter  might  have  been." 

Shakespeare. 

The  reader  may  be  surprised  at  the  positive  and  dictatorial 
language  of  Mr  John  Forster,  relative  to  Newton's  mar- 
riage, as  detailed  in  a  former  chapter ;  but,  as  Mr  John 
Forster  truly  observed,  all  the  recompense  which  he  had 
to  expect  for  a  life  of  exertion  was  to  dispose  of  the  fruits 
of  his  labour  according  to  his  own  will.  This  he  felt ;  and 
he  considered  it  unreasonable  that  what  he  supposed  a 
boyish  attachment  on  the  part  of  Newton  was  to  overthrow 
all  his  preconcerted  arrangements.  Had  Mr  Forster  been 
able  to  duly  appreciate  the  feelings  of  his  nephew,  he 
probably  would  not  have  been  so  decided ;  but  Love  had 
never  been  able  to  establish  himself  as  an  inmate  of  his 
breast.  His  life  had  been  a  life  of  toil.  Love  associates 
with  idleness  and  ease.  Mr  Forster  was  kind  and  cordial 
to  his  nephew  as  before,  and  the  subject  was  not  again 
renewed;  nevertheless,  he  had  made  up  his  mind,  and 
having  stated  that  he  would  alter  his  will,  such  was  his 
intention,  provided  that  his  nephew  did  not  upon  mature 
reflection  accede  to  his  wishes.  Newton  once  more  enjoyed 
the  society  of  Isabel,  to  whom  he  imparted  all  that  had 
occurred.  **  I  do  not  wish  to  play  the  prude,"  answered 
Isabel,  "by  denying  that  I  am  distressed  at  your  uncle's 


The  Merchant  Service 


39 


decision  ;  to  say  that  I  will  never  enter  into  his  family 
without  having  received  his  consent,  is  saying  more  than 
my  feelings  will  bear  out ;  but  I  must  and  will  say  that  I 
shall  be  most  unwilling  so  to  do.  We  must,  therefore,  as 
Madame  de  Fontanges  did  with  the  pirate  captain,  temporise, 
and  I  trust  we  shall  be  as  successful."  Newton,  more 
rational  than  most  young  men  in  love,  agreed  with  Isabel 
on  the  propriety  of  the  measure,  and,  satisfied  with  each 
other's  attachment,  they  were  by  no  means  in  a  hurry  to 
precipitate  their  marriage. 

It  may  be  recollected  that  Newton  Forster  felt  convinced 
that  the  contents  of  the  trunk  which  he  picked  up  at  sea, 
when  mate  of  the  coasting  vessel,  was  the  property  of  the 
Marquis  de  Fontanges.  During  their  passage  home  in 
the  TVindsor  Castle,  he  had  renewed  the  subject  to  M.  de 
Fontanges,  and  from  the  description  which  he  gave  from 
memory,  the  latter  appeared  to  be  of  the  same  opinion. 
The  conversation  had  not  been  revived  until  some  time 
after  their  arrival  in  England,  when  Newton,  anxious  to 
restore  the  articles,  desired  M.  de  Fontanges  to  communi- 
cate with  the  marquis,  and  request  that  he  would  appoint 
a  day  upon  which  he  would  call  at  his  uncle's  and  identify 
the  property.  The  marquis,  who  had  never  been  in- 
formed by  M.  de  Fontanges  that  any  supposed  relics  of 
his  lost  wife  remained,  sighed  at  the  memory  of  his  buried 
happiness — buried  in  that  vast  grave,  which  defrauds  the 
earth  of  its  inherent  rights — and  consented  to  call  upon 
the  ensuing  day.  When  the  marquis  arrived,  accompanied 
by  M.  and  Madame  de  Fontanges,  he  was  received  in  the 
drawing-room  by  Mr  John  Forster,  who  had  brought  from 
his  chamber  the  packet  in  question,  which  had  remained 
locked  up  in  the  iron  safe  ever  since  Newton  had  first 
committed  it  to  his  charge.  After  their  introduction  to 
each  other,  the  marquis  observed,  in  English — 

"  I  am  giving  you  a  great  deal  of  trouble ;  unavailing 
indeed ;  for,  allowing  that  the  articles  should  prove  to  be 
mine,  the  sight  of  them  must  be  a  source  of  renewed 
misery.'* 


392  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Sir,"  replied  Mr  John  Forster,  "  the  property  does 
not  belong  to  my  nephew,  and  he  has  very  properly 
reserved  it  until  he  could  find  out  the  legal  owner.  If 
the  property  is  yours,  we  are  bound  to  deliver  it  into 
your  hands.  There  is  an  inventory  attached  to  it,'* 
continued  the  old  lawyer,  putting  on  his  spectacles,  and 
reading,  **  one  diamond  ring — but  perhaps  it  would  be 
better  that  I  should  open  the  packet." 

"Will  you  permit  me  to  look  at  the  diamond  ring, 
sir  ? "  observed  M.  de  Fontanges.  "  The  sight  of  that 
will  identify  the  whole." 

"  There  it  is,  sir,"  replied  Mr  John  Forster. 

**  It  is,  indeed,  that  of  my  poor  sister-in-law !  "  said 
M.  de  Fontanges,  taking  it  up  to  the  marquis.  *'  My 
brother,  it  is  Louise's  ring  !  " 

"  It  is,"  cried  the  marquis,  passionately,  "  the  ring  that 
I  placed  in  the  centre  of  her  corbeille  de  mariage,  Alas  ! 
where  is  the  hand  which  graced  it  ? "  and  the  marquis 
retreated  to  the  sofa,  and  covered  his  face. 

"We  have  no  occasion  then  to  proceed  further," 
observed  Mr  John  Forster,  with  emotion.  **  The  other 
articles  you,  of  course,  recognise  ?  " 

"  I  do,"  replied  Monsieur  de  Fontanges.  "  My  brother 
had  taken  his  passage  in  the  same  vessel,  but  was  counter- 
manded. Before  he  had  time  to  select  all  his  own  baggage, 
which  was  mixed  with  that  of  his  wife,  the  ship  was 
blown  out  to  sea,  and  proceeded  on  her  voyage.  These 
orders  of  merit  were  left  with  her  jewels." 

"I  observe,"  said  the  old  lawyer,  "which  I  did  not 
when  Newton  entrusted  the  packet  to  my  charge,  that 
the  linen  has  not  all  the  same  marks ;  that  of  the  adult  is 
marked  L.  de  M.,  while  that  which  belonged  to  the  child 
is  marked  J.  de  F.     Was  it  the  marquis's  child  ? " 

"  It  was  ;  the  linen  of  the  mother  was  some  belonging  to 
her  previous  to  her  marriage.  The  maiden  name  was 
Louise  de  Montmorenci ;  that  of  the  child  has  the  initials 
of  its  name,  Julie  de  Fontanges." 

"  Humph !  I  have  my  reasons  for  asking  that  question," 


The  Merchant  Service 


393 


replied  the  old  lawyer.  "  Newton,  do  me  the  favour  to 
step  to  my  chambers  and  open  the  safe.  You  will  find  in 
it,  on  the  right-hand  side,  another  small  bundle  of  linen : 
bring  it  here.  Stop,  Newton,  blow  the  dust  out  of  the 
pipe  of  the  key  before  you  put  it  in,  and  be  careful  that  it 
is  well  inserted  before  you  turn  it,  or  you  may  strain  the 
wards.  In  all  other  points,  you  may  be  as  quick  as  you 
please.  My  lord  Marquis,  will  you  allow  me  to  offer  you 
some  refreshment  ? — a  glass  of  wine  will  be  of  service. 
Brother  Nicholas,  do  me  the  favour  to  call  Amber." 

Newton  and  Nicholas  both  departed  on  their  respective 
missions.     Amber  made  her  appearance. 

"  Papa,"  said  Amber,  **  do  you  want  me  ? " 

"  Yes,  my  dear,"  said  Mr  Forster,  handing  her  the  keys  ; 
**  go  down  to  the  cellaret  and  bring  up  some  wine.  I  do 
not  wish  the  servants  to  come  in  just  now." 

Amber  reappeared  with  a  small  tray.  She  first  handed 
it  to  the  marquis,  who  was  roused  at  her  voice. 

"  Papa  requests  that  you  will  take  some  wine,  sir.  It 
will  be  of  service  to  you." 

The  marquis,  who  had  looked  earnestly  in  her  face  when 
she  had  spoken,  took  the  wine,  and  drinking  it  off,  bowed 
as  he  replaced  the  glass.     He  then  sunk  back  on  the  sofa. 

When  the  rap  at  the  door  announced  the  return  of  New- 
ton, Mr  John  Forster  requested  M.  de  Fontanges,  in  a  low 
voice,  to  follow  him,  and  directing  Newton,  whom  they 
met  on  the  stairs,  to  return,  they  proceeded  to  the  dining- 
parlour. 

''  I  have  requested  you  to  come  down,  sir,"  said  Mr  John 
Forster,  "  that  I  might  not,  without  being  certain,  raise 
hopes  in  your  brother  the  marquis,  which,  if  not  realised, 
would  create  bitter  feelings  of  disappointment ;  but  I 
remarked  the  initials  on  the  linen  of  the  child  ;  and  if  my 
memory,  which  is  not  very  bad,  fails  me  not,  we  shall  find 
corresponding  ones  in  the  packet  now  before  us ; "  and  the 
old  lawyer  opened  the  bundle  and  displayed  the  contents, 
which  proved  to  be  marked  as  he  had  surmised. 

"  Most  true,"  replied  Monsieur  de  Fontanges.     **  They 


394  Newton  Forster;  or, 

are  the  same,  and  of  course  part  of  the  property  which  was 
picked  up." 

"  Yes ;  but  not  picked  up  at  the  same  time,  or  at  the 
same  spot,  or  by  the  same  person.  Those  above  stairs 
were,  as  you  know,  picked  up  by  my  nephew ;  these  by  a 
brother,  who  is  since  dead :  and  in  these  clothes  an  infant 
was  also  washed  upon  the  beach." 

"  His  child ! "  exclaimed  Monsieur  de  Fontanges. 
"  Where  was  it  buried  ? " 

"  The  child  was  restored  to  life,  and  is  still  living." 

**  If  it  is,"  replied  Monsieur  de  Fontanges,  **  it  can  be  no 
other  than  the  young  lady  who  just  now  called  you  father. 
The  likeness  to  Madame  la  Marquise  is  most  astonishing." 

**It  is  as  you  suppose,  sir,"  replied  Mr  John  Forster. 
*'  At  my  brother's  death,  he  bequeathed  the  little  girl  to 
my  protection ;  and  I  trust  I  have  done  justice  to  the 
deposit.  Indeed,  although  an  alien  by  blood,  she  is  as  dear 
to  me  as  if  she  were  my  own  daughter :  and,"  continued 
the  old  lawyer,  hesitating  a  little,  "  although  I  have  the 
satisfaction  of  restoring  her  to  her  father's  arms,  it  will  be 
a  heavy  blow  to  part  with  her  !  When  my  brother  spoke 
to  me  on  the  subject,  I  told  him  it  was  trouble  and  expense 
enough  to  bring  up  a  child  of  one's  own  begetting.  I  little 
thought  at  the  time  how  much  more  I  should  be  vexed  at 
parting  with  one  of  another's.  However,  with  the  bundle, 
she  must  be  returned  to  the  lawful  owner.  I  have  one 
more  remark  to  make,  sir.  Do  me  the  favour  to  look  at 
that  drawing  of  my  poor  brother's,  which  hangs  over  the 
sideboard.    Do  you  recognise  the  portrait  ?  " 

"  Triton  !  "  cried  Monsieur  de  Fontanges ;  **  the  dog 
which  I  gave  my  poor  sister-in-law  ! " 

**  You  are  indebted  to  that  dog  for  the  life  of  your  niece. 
He  brought  her  on  shore,  and  laid  her  at  my  brother's 
feet  •,  but  I  have  all  the  documents,  which  I  will  send  for 
your  perusal.  The  facts  I  consider  so  well  established  as 
to  warrant  a  verdict  in  any  court  of  justice  ;  and  now,  sir, 
I  must  leave  you  to  make  the  communication  as  soon,  and, 
at  the  same  time,  as  cautiously  as  you  please.  Newton, 
send  Amber  down  to  me." 


The  Merchant  Service  395 

We  will  pass  over  the  scenes  which  followed  in  the 
dining  -  parlour  and  drawing  -  room.  The  Marquis  de 
Fontanges  discovered  that  he  was  blest  with  a  daughter, 
at  the  same  time  that  Amber  learnt  her  own  history.  In 
a  few  minutes  Amber  was  led  upstairs  to  the  arms  of  her 
father,  whose  tears  of  sorrow  at  the  loss  of  his  wife  were 
now  mingled  with  those  of  delight,  as  he  clasped  his 
daughter  to  his  heart. 

"  What  obligations  do  I  owe  to  your  whole  family,  my 
dear  friend  !  "  said  the  marquis  to  Newton. 

"  I  will  not  deny  it,  sir,"  replied  Newton  ;  "  but  allow 
me  to  observe,  that  for  the  recovery  of  your  daughter 
you  are  equally  indebted  to  the  generosity  of  your  own 
relatives  and  your  own  feeling  disposition.  Had  not 
Monsieur  and  Madame  de  Fontanges  protected  and  assisted 
me  in  my  distress  ;  had  not  you,  instead  of  throwing  me 
into  prison,  set  me  at  liberty,  you  never  would  have  known 
where  your  daughter  was  to  be  found.  Had  not  one  of 
my  uncles  hastened  to  the  relief  of  the  vessel  in  distress, 
and  the  other  protected  your  little  girl  after  his  death,  she 
would  not  have  been  now  in  existence.  My  gratitude  for 
your  kindness  induced  me  to  remain  by  your  ship,  and 
subsequently  to  rescue  you  from  the  pirate,  or  you  would 
not  have  now  been  a  prisoner  in  this  country — an  evil 
which,  under  divine  Providence,  has  been  changed  to  a 
blessing,  by  restoring  to  you  your  daughter.  We  have 
all,  I  trust,  done  our  duty,  and  this  happy  issue  is  our  full 
reward." 

**  Humph !  "  observed  the  old  lawyer. 


Chapter  LIII 

"Thus  far  our  chronicle — and  now  we  pause, 
Though  not  for  want  of  matter,  but  'tis  time." 

Btron. 

Amber,  or  Julie  de  Fontanges,  as  we  must  now  call  her, 
quitted  the  abode  of  her  kind  protector  in  such  distress. 


39^  Newton  Forster;  or, 

that  it  was  evident  she  regretted  the  discovery  which  had 
been  made.  She  was  too  young  to  be  aware  of  the 
advantages  of  high  birth,  and  her  removal  was  for  some 
time  a  source  of  unfeigned  regret.  It  appeared  to  her  that 
nothing  could  compensate  for  the  separation  from  her 
supposed  father,  who  doted  on  her,  from  Mrs  Forster, 
who  had  watched  over  her,  from  Nicholas,  who  amused 
her,  and  from  Newton,  whom  she  loved  as  a  brother.  But 
the  idea  of  going  to  a  foreign  country,  and  never  seeing 
them  or  William  Aveleyn  again,  and,  though  last,  not 
least,  to  find  that  she  was  not  an  Englishwoman,  and  in 
future  must  not  rejoice  at  their  victories  over  her  own 
nation,  occasioned  many  a  burst  of  tears  when  left  alone 
to  her  own  meditations.  It  was  long  before  the  devotion 
of  her  father,  and  the  fascinating  attentions  of  M.  and 
Madame  de  Fontanges,  could  induce  her  to  be  resigned 
to  her  new  condition.  Mr  John  Forster  felt  his  bereave- 
ment more  deeply  than  could  have  been  supposed.  For 
many  days  after  the  departure  of  JuHe,  he  seldom  spoke, 
never  made  his  appearance,  except  at  dinner-time,  and  as 
soon  as  the  meal  was  finished,  hastened  to  his  chambers, 
where  he  remained  very  late.  Intense  application  was  the 
remedy  which  he  had  selected  to  dispel  his  care,  and  fill 
up  the  vacuum  created  by  the  absence  of  his  darling 
child. 

"  Newton,"  said  he,  one  evening,  as  they  discussed 
a  bottle  of  port,  "  have  you  considered  what  I  proposed  ? 
I  confess  to  you  that  I  am  more  than  ever  anxious  for  the 
match  ;  I  cannot  part  with  that  dear  child,  and  you  can 
bring  her  back  to  me." 

"  I  have  reflected,  sir ;  but  the  case  must  be  viewed  in 
a  very  different  light.  You  might  affiance  your  adopted 
daughter  at  her  early  age,  but  the  Marquis  de  Fontanges 
may  not  be  so  inclined ;  nay,  further,  sir,  it  is  not  impos- 
sible that  he  may  dislike  the  proposed  match.  He  is  of 
a  very  noble  family." 

"  I  have  thought  on  that  subject,"  replied  Mr  John 
Forster  ;  **  but  our  family  is  as  well  descended,  and  quite 


The  Merchant  Service  397 

well  enough  for  any  Frenchman,  let  him  be  a  marquis,  or 
even  a  duke.  Is  that  the  only  obstacle  you  intend  to  raise 
— or,  if  this  is  removed,  will  you  again  plead  your  attach- 
ment to  another  ?  " 

**  It  is  the  only  one  which  I  mean  to  raise  at  present,  sir. 
I  acknowledge  Julie  de  Fontanges  to  be  a  sweet  girl,  and, 
as  a  relation,  I  have  long  been  much  attached  to  her." 

**  Humph  !  "  replied  the  old  lawyer  j  **  I  always  thought 
you  a  sensible  lad — we  shall  see." 

Now,  be  it  observed,  that  there  was  a  certain  degree 
of  the  Jesuitical  on  the  part  of  our  friend  Newton 
on  this  occasion, — excusable  only  from  his  wish  that  the 
mortification  of  his  uncle  at  the  disappointment  of  his 
hopes  should  not  be  occasioned  by  any  further  resistance 
on  his  part. 

To  M.  de  Fontanges,  who  was  aware  of  Newton's 
attachment  to  Isabel,  he  had,  previous  to  the  discovery 
which  had  taken  place,  communicated  the  obstacle  to  his 
union,  raised  by  the  pertinacity  of  his  uncle.  After  the 
removal  of  Julie,  M.  de  Fontanges  acquainted  his  brother 
with  the  wishes  of  Mr  John  Forster,  and  explained  to 
him  how  much  they  were  at  variance  with  those  of 
Newton. 

The  first  time  that  Newton  called  upon  the  marquis,  the 
latter,  shaking  him  warmly  by  the  hand,  said, — "I  have 
been  informed,  my  dear  Newton,  by  my  brother,  of  the 
awkward  predicament  in  which  you  are  placed  by  the  wish 
of  your  uncle  that  you  should  marry  my  Julie  when  she 
grows  up.  Believe  me,  when  I  say  it,  there  is  no  man  to 
whom  I  would  sooner  confide  the  happiness  of  my 
daughter,  and  that  no  consideration  would  induce  me  to 
refuse  you,  if  you  really  sought  her  hand  ;  but  I  know  your 
wishes,  and  your  attachment  to  Miss  Revel,  therefore  be 
quite  easy  on  the  subject.  Your  uncle  made  his  proposition 
when  Julie  had  no  father  to  be  consulted :  the  case  is  now 
different  ;  and,  for  your  sake,  I  intend,  for  a  time,  to  injure 
myself  in  the  opinion  of  your  good  relation.  I  shall 
assume,   I   trust  what,  if  ever   I  had   it,  would    be  im- 


398  Newton  Forster  ;  or, 

mediately  sacrificed  to  gratitude, — I  mean,  high  aristocrat- 
ical  pride ;  and  should  your  uncle  make  the  proposal, 
refuse  it  upon  the  grounds  that  you  are  not  noble  by  descent. 
No  one  will  deny  your  nobility  on  any  other  point.  Do 
you  understand  me,  Newton?  and  will  my  so  doing  be 
conformable  to  your  wishes  ?  " 

"  It  will.  Monsieur  le  Marquis,  and  I  thank  you  most 
sincerely." 

"  Then  make  no  objection  when  he  proposes  the  match 
a  second  time;  leave  all  the  obloquy  on  my  shoulders," 
said  the  marquis,  smiling. 

This  arrangement  having  been  made,  it  was  not 
surprising  that  Newton  heard  his  uncle's  renewal  of  the 
proposition  with  such  calmness  and  apparent  acquiescence. 

**We  dine  with  the  marquis  to-morrow,  Newton," 
observed  Mr  John  Forster  ;  "  I  shall  take  an  opportunity 
after  dinner  of  requesting  a  few  minutes'  interview,  when 
I  shall  put  the  question  to  him." 

"  Certainly,  sir,  if  you  think  right,"  replied  Newton. 

**  Well,  I'm  glad  the  dear  girl  has  changed  that  foolish 
name  of  Amber.  What  could  possess  my  brother  ?  Julie 
is  very  fine,  nevertheless ;  but  then  she  was  christened  by 
French  people." 

The  next  day  the  parties  met  at  dinner.  Isabel  Revel 
had  been  asked ;  and,  having  heard  from  Madame  de 
Fontanges  of  the  plan  agreed  upon,  and  anxious  to 
see  the  old  lawyer,  she  had  consented  to  join  the  party. 
The  dinner  passed  off  as  most  dinners  do  when  the  viands 
and  wines  are  good,  and  everybody  is  inclined  to  be 
happy.  Isabel  was  placed  next  to  Mr  Forster,  who, 
without  knowing  who  she  was,  felt  much  pleased  with  the 
deference  and  attention  of  so  beautiful  a  young  woman. 

"  Newton,"  said  his  uncle,  when  the  ladies  retired,  and 
the  gentlemen  packed  up  their  chairs,  **  who  was  that 
young  lady  who  sat  next  to  me  ? " 

"  The  young  lady,  my  dear  uncle,  whom  I  did  wish 
to  introduce  to  you  as  my  intended  wife — Miss  Isabel 
Revel." 


The  Merchant  Service  399 

"  Humph  ! — why,  you  never  spoke  to  her  before  dinner, 
or  paid  her  any  common  civility  !  " 

"  You  forget,  sir,  your  injunctions,  and " 

"  That's  no  reason,  nephew,  why  you  should  forget 
common  civility.  I  requested  that  you  would  not  marry 
the  young  lady  ;  but  I  never  desired  you  to  commit  an 
act  of  rudeness.  She  is  a  very  nice  young  person;  and 
politeness  is  but  a  trifle,  although  marriage  is  a  very  serious 
thing." 

In  pursuance  of  his  plans,  when  the  gentlemen  rose,  Mr 
John  Forster  requested  a  few  minutes'  conversation  with  the 
marquis,  who,  bowing  politely,  showed  the  way  to  a  small 
study  on  the  same  floor. 

Mr  Forster  immediately  stated  his  wish  that  an  engage- 
ment should  be  formed  between  his  nephew  and  Julie  de 
Fontanges. 

"  Mr  Forster,"  replied  the  marquis,  drawing  up  proudly, 
**  the  obligations  I  am  under  to  your  family  are  so  great, 
that  there  are  but  few  points  in  which  I  could  refuse  you ; 
and  I  therefore  am  quite  distressed  that  of  this  proposal  I 
am  obliged  to  decline  the  honour.  You  may  be  ignorant, 
Mr  Forster,  that  the  family  of  the  De  Fontanges  is  one  of 
the  oldest  in  France  •,  and,  with  every  respect  for  you  and 
your  nephew,  and  all  gratitude  for  your  kindness,  I  cannot 
permit  my  daughter  to  form  a  mesalliance.''^ 

"A  mesalliance! — humph!  I  presume,  sir,  in  plain 
English,  it  means  marrying  beneath  her  rank  in  life  ?  " 

The  marquis  bowed. 

**  I  beg  to  observe,  sir,"  said  Mr  John  Forster,  "  that 
our  family  is  a  very  old  one.  I  can  show  you  our  pedigree. 
It  has  lain  for  some  years  by  the  side  of  your  daughter's 
bundle  in  the  iron  safe." 

**  I  have  no  doubt  of  the  excellence  of  your  family,  Mr 
Forster.  I  can  only  express  my  deep  regret  that  it  is  not 
noble.  Excuse  me,  Mr  Forster  j  except  you  can  prove 
that " 

"Why,  I  could  prove  it  by  purchasing  a  dozen  mar- 
quisates,  if  I  thought  proper  !  " 


400  Newton  Forster;  or, 

**  Granted,  Mr  Forster.  In  our  country  they  are  to  be 
purchased ;  but  we  make  a  great  difference  between  the 
parvenus  of  the  present  day  and  the  ancienne  nohlesse^ 

"Well,  Mr  Marquis,  just  as  you  please  ;  but  I  consider 
myself  quite  as  good  as  a  French  marquis,"  replied  Mr 
Porster,  in  a  tone  of  irritation. 

**  Better  than  many,  I  have  no  doubt ;  but  still,  we  draw 
the  line.     Noble  blood,. Mr  Forster." 

**  Noble  fiddlestick !  Monsieur  le  Marquis,  in  this 
country,  and  the  inhabitants  are  not  fools,  we  allow  money 
to  weigh  against  rank.  It  purchases  that,  as  it  does 
everything  else,  except  heaven.  Now,  Monsieur  le 
Marquis " 

"  Excuse  me,  sir;  no  money  will  purchase  the  hand  of 
Julie  de  Fontanges,"  repHed  the  marquis. 

"  Well,  then.  Monsieur  le  Marquis,  I  should  think  that 
the  obligations  you  are  under  in  restoring  your  daughter 
to  your  arms " 

"  Warrants  your  asking  for  her  back  again,  Mr 
Forster  ? "  replied  the  marquis,  haughtily.  "  A  labourer 
might  find  this  diamond  solitaire  that's  now  upon  my  finger. 
Does  it  therefore  follow  that  I  am  to  make  him  a  present 
of  it?" 

"  Humph  ! "  ejaculated  Mr  Forster,  much  affronted  with 
the  comparison. 

"  In  short,  my  dear  sir,  anything  which  you  or  your 
family  can  think  of,  which  it  is  in  our  power  to  grant,  will 
make  us  most  happy;  but  to  sully  the  blood  of  the  most 
ancient " 

John  Forster  would  hear  no  more ;  he  quitted  the  room 
and  walked  upstairs  before  the  marquis  had  completed  his 
speech.  When  he  entered  the  drawing-room,  his  counten- 
ance plainly  expressed  his  disappointment.  Like  all  men 
who  have  toiled  for  riches,  he  had  formed  plans,  in  which 
he  considered  his  wealth  was  to  command  success,  and  had 
overlooked  every  obstacle  which  might  present  itself 
against  the  completion  of  his  wishes. 

*' Newton,"  said  he,  as  they  stood  apart  near  the  window. 


The  Merchant  Service  401 

"  you  have  been  a  good  lad  in  not  persisting  to  thwart  my 
views,  but  that  French  marquis,  with  his  folly  and  his 
*  ancienne  noblesse,'  has  overthrown  all  my  plans.  Now, 
I  shall  not  interfere  with  yours.  Introduce  me  to  Miss 
what's  her  name ;  she  is  a  very  fine  girl,  and  from  what  I 
saw  of  her  during  dinner,  I  like  her  very  much." 

Isabel  exerted  herself  to  please,  and  succeeded. 
Satisfied  with  his  nephew's  choice,  flattered  by  his  previous 
apparent  submission,  and  disgusted  with  the  marquis,  Mr 
John  Forster  thought  no  more  of  Mademoiselle  de 
Fontanges.  His  consent  was  voluntary,  and  in  a  short 
time  Isabel  Revel  changed  her  name. 

It  was  about  five  months  after  Newton's  marriage  that 
he  received  a  letter  from  the  Board,  appointing  him  to  the 
command  of  a  ship.  Newton  handed  the  letter  over  to  Mr 
Forster. 

*'I  presume,  sir,  it  is  your  wish  that  I  should  accept  the 
offer  ? " 

**  What  offer  ? "  said  the  old  lawyer,  who  was  reading 
through  a  case  for  counsel's  opinion.  '*  Melville — for 
Madras  and  China. — Why,  Newton,  I  really  do  not  see 
any  occasion  for  your  going  afloat  again.  There  is  an  old 
proverb — *  The  pitcher  that  goes  often  to  the  well  is 
broken  at  last.'     You're  not  tired  of  your  wife  already  ? " 

"I  hope  not,  sir;  but  I  thought  it  might  be  your  wish." 

"  It's  my  wish  that  you  should  stay  at  home.  A  poor 
man  may  go  to  sea,  because  he  stands  a  chance  to  come 
home  rich ;  but  a  man  who  has  money  in  hand,  and  in 
prospect,  if  he  goes  to  sea,  he  is  a  fool.  Follow  your 
profession  as  long  as  you  require  it,  but  no  longer." 

**  Why,  then,  do  you  work  so  hard,  my  dear  sir,"  said 
Isabel,  leaning  over  the  old  gentleman,  and  kissing  him, 
in  gratitude  for  his  decision.  *'  Surely  you  can  afford  to 
relax  a  little  now  ?  " 

"  Why  do  I  work  so  hard,  Isabel  ? "  replied  Mr  Forster, 
looking  up  at  her  through  his  spectacles.  "  Why,  you 
expect  to  have  a  family,  do  you  not  ? " 

Isabel  blushed  ;  the  expectation  was  undeniable. 
F       -  2  c 


402  Newton  Forster;  or, 

"  Well,  then,  I  presume  the  children  will  have  no 
objection  to  find  a  few  thousands  more  to  be  divided 
among  them  by-and-bye — will  they,  daughter  ?  " 

The  conversation  was  interrupted  by  the  entry  of  a 
servant  with  a  letter ;  Mr  Forster  broke  the  seal,  and 
looked  at  the  signature. 

"  Humph  !  from  the  proud  old  marquis.  *  Very  sorry, 
for  a  short  period,  to  have  fallen  in  your  good  opinion — 
should  have  rejoiced  to  have  called  Newton  my  son-in- 
law  ! ' — Humph !  *  Family  pride  all  assumed — Newton's 
happiness  at  stake — ^^trust  the  deceit  will  be  pardoned, 
and  a  renewal  of  former  intimacy.'  Why,  Newton,  is 
all  this  true?" 

"  Ask  Isabel,  sir,"  replied  Newton,  smiling. 

"  Well,  then,  Isabel,  is  all  this  true  ?  " 

'*  Ask  Newton,  sir,"  replied  Isabel,  kissing  him.  "  The 
fact  is,  my  dear  sir,  I  could  not  afford  to  part  with  Newton, 
even  to  please  you,  so  we  made  up  a  little  plot." 

"  Humph  ! — made  up  a  little  plot — well — I  sha'n't  alter 
my  will,  nevertheless  j  "  and  Mr  Forster  recommenced  the 
reading  of  his  brief. 

Such  is  the  history  of  Newton  Forster,  which,  like  most 
novels  or  plays,  has  been  wound  up  with  marriage.  The 
last  time  that  I  appeared  before  my  readers,  they  were 
dissatisfied  with  the  termination  of  my  story ;  they  con- 
sidered I  had  deprived  them  of  "a  happy  marriage,"  to 
which,  as  an  undoubted  right,  they  were  entitled,  after 
wading  through  three  tedious  volumes.  As  I  am  anxious 
to  keep  on  good  terms  with  the  public,  I  hasten  to  repair 
the  injury  which  it  has  sustained,  by  stating  that  about 
three  years  after  the  marriage  of  Newton  Forster,  the 
following  paragraph  appeared  in  the  several  papers  of  the 
metropolis : 

"  Yesterday,  by  special  license,  the  Right  Honourable 
William  Lord  Aveleyn  to  Mademoiselle  Julie  de  Fontanges, 
only  daughter  of  the  Marquis  de  Fontanges,  late  Governor 
of  the  Island  of  Bourbon.  The  marriage  was  to  have 
been  solemnised  in  December  last,  but  was  postponed,  in 


The  Merchant  Service  403 

consequence  of  the  death  of  the  late  Lord  Aveleyn.    After 
the  ceremony,  the  happy  couple,"  &c.  &c.  &c. 


And  now,  most  arbitrary  public,  I  consider  that  I  have 
made  the  amende  honorable,  and  that  we  are  quits  ;  for,  if 
you  were  minus  a  happy  marriage  in  the  last  work,  you 
have  a  couple  to  indemnify  you  in  the  present. 


THE    END. 


rVRNBULL  AND  SPEAKS,    IKlNTJiRS,    EDINBURGH. 


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